Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Grainger Engineering Library [PAGE 13]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

T l i O l>i",ilal I m a g i n g l,al> is d e d i c a t e d U) ll\8 d e v e l o p m e n t til c u l l i n g -

etlge multimedia software, featuring special capabilities for the creation of video Imagery* Much ol the Grainger's kiosk software Wan developed here. The lalsinttory is equipped with advanced scanning and optical character recognition software, as well as visualization soil wait) so lhal multimedia materials ean he integrated into classroom presentations and publications. A self-service component is available for trained users, and on-site (mining is also available. In the I'sululitv Laboratory, researchers examine in (on nation retrieval software and hardware and library users* behaviors in cutler to refine lilmiry technology for improved access. All ol the lechnplogioa used in the Grainger Center were tested and applied here, including the kiosk technology. Atnong the current projects is the adaptation of the Grainger's kiosk technology for use elsewhere in the University and in libraries across the (country; development of sophisticated Worldwide Web server and Mosaic software; and studies ol computer voice recognition systems, which will become part ol the pointers internal information systems. In the Information Retrieval Research I«al»omtory« visiting lilmiry scholars and engineers from Illinois and elsewhere are welcome to study the information technologies used in the Grainger. With the laboratory's hardware, software, and networking appointments, researchers can refine those technologies and adapt them for use in libmries around the world.

The Academic Library in the Electronic Information Age

As a learning centerforthe students of Illinois, the Grainger includes a variety of leaching and meeting facilities. Seminar and conference rooms contain state-of-the-art equipment for classes, professional meetings, and ensemble research projects; group studies, reading rooms, and individual carrels are outfitted with network connections to provide lull access to laptop computers. In addition to these facilities, the Grainger Center also oilers several specialised teaching laboratories that are available to students and facultyforclasses, meetings, and technical sessions: The Microcomputer laboratory is outfitted with microcomputers designed primarily lm won I processing, electronic mail, and similar applications. The lab can be used in connection with projects under*a\ in the Communications Skills laboratory. The Communications Skills Laboratory is an electronic version of the traditional "writers workshop"The laboratory oilers special counseling and practice exercises to help improve students* writing skills.