New printers with updated software are being installed in multiple buildings, including resident hall lobbies.
The change is part of a campus-wide project to replace the old copiers that were purchased eight years ago.
Reid Powell, political science sophomore, said United Methodist Hall residents are enjoying the building’s new printer.
“A lot of students have been loving it, especially because it seems like a safer alternative to walking to the library late at night,” Powell said. “Having the option to stay in the safety of our own dorm building while avoiding the risk of finding ourselves in potentially unsafe situations is absolutely great.”
Students can now swipe their ID cards to access any printer, even those belonging to specific departments.
Powell said he finds no issue with students accessing these printers, as long as they stay properly stocked.
“If a student uses one of these printers, the charge will still go to their own account,” Powell said. “As long as the university consistently keeps the printing supplies funded and in stock, I don’t really see it being an issue.”
Kristen Burkholder, access services librarian for the Dulaney-Browne Library, said the updates are a welcome change.
“From our perspective here at the library, we have an awful lot of students coming here to print,” Burkholder said. “The old printers were, quite frankly, old. They tended to jam really often and had a lot of issues. Of course, there have been some glitches while everyone gets adjusted with the new technology, but the new printers have been a breeze and have made the process a lot smoother.”
Burkholder said the only printer in the library without access to students is located in a faculty area, so there should not be issues with students inappropriately using them.
“I don’t know about other departments, but here in the library we have our own staff printer that’s out of reach from students,” Burkholder said. “If it’s the same for other buildings, I don’t think there should be much concern from staff or faculty.”
Powell said with proper planning and maintenance, the updated printers could prove to be beneficial additions to the campus.
“I completely understand why some faculty may be concerned with students potentially using up their supplies,” Powell said. “However, professors are printing off hundreds of pages at a time, while a student may come by and only print off a few. As long as the system is well organized and properly maintained, I fully support the new additions.”
Powell said he hopes plans are being set in place for future upkeep and maintenance procedures.
“With the number of new printers being installed, inevitably, large amounts of maintenance will be needed as time goes on,” Powell said. “Hopefully, there is protocol for what services will be needed and who will provide them because there may be major problems down the line if we haven’t solidified those plans yet.”
Burkholder said the new printers are expected to require less maintenance than the previous ones.
“With the old printers, we sometimes had to call maintenance a few times per week,” she said. “We haven’t had to call them at all this semester, so that’s a good sign.”
Powell said he believes students will continue to appropriately utilize the printers.
“From what I understand, the new printers and software have been very positively received,” Powell said. “I think students will continue to use them in a beneficial manner and they will prove to be a great implementation for our university.”
Burkholder said the new printers are a beneficial addition for the campus community.
“We’re really happy with them,” Burkholder said. “They have been great for both students and staff, and hopefully they’ll keep everything going for a long time.”
Leave a Reply