By Jordan Hanzon, Account Executive

Need an iPad? Thanks to new funding through ASUU, 35 new iPads are available for checkout at the J. Willard Marriott Library at the Knowledge Commons desk on level 2. The checkout period is 7 days, and can be renewed for another 7 days if no one is waiting to use the resource.

The funding process began when Muskan Walia, who was a member of the ASUU Senate as the Senate Chair, approached the library to address the need for more iPads for student checkout. After several meetings with Harish Maringanti, associate dean of research and Matt Irsik, head of user support and computing services, Muskan introduced a bill to have ASUU fund 35 iPads out of their annual funding. After several more meetings, the bill was approved, and funding was allocated for the purchase, thanks to ASUU president, Jack O’Leary, who helped get the bill through the final steps. “We know that having access to the right technology is essential for students,” states O’Leary. “So, we were glad to support this important initiative towards student success.”  

While student computing funds are awarded to the various colleges and departments by the Teaching & Learning Portfolio, those funds must cover a large number of projects. This means that often the library receives funding to continue offering technology services but may not be able to expand them. “These partnerships are crucial to meet an ever-expanding need for student checkout technology,” explains Matt Irsik, head of user support and computing services. “Additional funding like this helps bridge the gap.” 

The library is currently working with Undergraduate Studies and the David Eccles School of Business to provide additional laptops for several programs that will be taking place at the new Herriman campus. “The library is always looking for new and improved ways to help students succeed,” states Sarah Shreeves, Alice Sheets Marriott dean of libraries. “Students are our priority, so the ability to increase access to tools like iPads is a win for both us and our students.”