Library News

McDermott Library now offers Charging for Mobile devices

Mobile technology is, almost by definition, everywhere. The smart phones and similar devices that have unchained us from our desks have one weakness: battery life. The more avid the user, the more time he or she spends looking for opportunities for a recharge. To serve our “plugged in” users, Eugene McDermott Library now boasts a multi-device charging station in our Information Commons area.

The idea to offer charging stations was brought to us by the McDermott Student Advisory Group (MSAG), a select group of students who meet periodically to discuss library service issues and have a voice in library policy and development. Inspired by similar devices offered in public buildings like airports and the Jindal School of Management, MSAG members suggested a charging station in the library. MSAG Library staff members took this suggestion to Library Director Dr. Ellen Safley.

Initially there were concerns about the devices. They can be costly. Cheaper options designed for home use do not stand up to hundreds of users over the course of a semester. The library staff was also concerned that users would expect them to be responsible for the security of devices left on the charger. These concerns were overcome by careful comparison shopping to choose the best unit and careful sign writing.

The location was selected by Circulation staff, headed by Circulation Services Manager Debbie Gilbert-Stadigh. We wanted the charging station to be in a popular part of the library. You will find the charging station in the Information Commons on the 2nd floor. A large UT Dallas logo makes the device visible from across the room. Made by Kwikboost, it has built in adaptors for all major mobile devices. A cheery label invites users to “Get Charged at the Library,” while warning, “Your phone, your responsibility.” If you are taking advantage of the charging station, please plan to find a seat nearby where you can keep an eye on your phone or tablet.

Library Hours will change during Finals, Intersession and Summer

		OPEN	CLOSE
Reading Day	Monday, May 6	8:00am
Final Exams	Tuesday, May 7 Wednesday, May 8 Thursday, May 9 Friday, May 10 Saturday, May 11 Sunday, May 12 Monday, May 13	Open 24 hours	9:00pm
Intersession	Tuesday, May 14 Wednesday, May 15 Thursday, May 16 Friday, May 17	8:00am	6:00pm
	Saturday, May 18 Sunday, May 19	CLOSED
	Monday, May 20	8:00am	5:00pm
	Tuesday, May 21 Wednesday, May 22 Thursday, May 23 Friday, May 24	8:00am	6:00pm
	Saturday, May 25 Sunday, May 26 Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day Holiday	CLOSED
1st Day of Class Summer Hours Begin	Thursday, May 30	8:00am	Midnight
1st Day of Class Summer Hours Begin	Monday-Friday Saturday Sunday	8:00am 9:00am Noon	Midnight Midnight Midnight

Library Welcomes New Faces in Key Positions

Davin Pate
Mingyu Chen
Mike Ramsey

Eugene McDermott Library has recently filled three key positions in the areas of metadata systems, acquisitions and software systems.

Davin Pate is the new Head of Acquisitions and E-Resources. He comes to UT Dallas from the Forest Green Branch of the Dallas Public Library where he was branch manager. He previously worked as a senior librarian and electronic resources specialist at the Nicholson Memorial Library in Garland, Texas. He also worked in reference at Schimelpfenig Library in Plano, Texas. He took his Bachelor of Arts in speech communication from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and master’s degree in Library Information Science from the University of North Texas.

Mingyu Chen is the new Head of Metadata Services. She has more than eight years of experience in the areas of collection management, electronic resources, cataloging, and metadata in academic libraries at Ohio State University Library and the University of Houston. She also worked in the Metadata Contract Services Department at OCLC in 2008. She received a Master of Education degree from Ohio State and a master’s degree in Library Information Science from Kent State University.

Mike Ramsey is the new Software Systems Specialist for the library. He spent 10 years in a similar position at a high school in the Plano (Texas) Independent School District. He has started and operated his own business and managed commercial websites. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from East Texas State University and graduated from the Networking Technologies Certificate Program in the Southern Methodist University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He enjoys commuting daily to work on his bicycle.