Welcome to the Office of Systems & Technology within the Nelson Poynter Memorial library. This office supports the computing needs of several groups- library staff, librarians, students and patrons. The Nelson Poynter Library is well positioned as computing environment; large enough to have its own infrastructure, but also small enough for the systems department to give individual attention to users and to respond quickly to ever changing needs.

The library has a separately maintained network and computing services architecture built around the Microsoft Windows 2003 and RedHat Linux platforms. Web services that include a content management system, email, file and print services and network connectivity are all managed in-house. Multi-platform operating systems are utilized within the library incorporating Windows XP, 2000, Apple OSX, and Unix variants. Network communications are managed through fast ethernet and gigabit desktop switches that interact with the university backbone through fiber optic links.

Desktop computing is available in the lab, stacks, community and reference area. These areas can provide quick access to USF Libraries databases, the Internet, and Pharos networked printing. A twenty five(25) station instructional computing facility is available for library related training and is equipped with a PROXIMA projection system. The staff areas operate several models of Dell Optiplex systems, which follow the USF standard for desktop computing.

We were pleased to add two recent enhancements to our student use computing areas; both projects added computing resources to the first floor Information Commons. In conjunction with the Journalism department the library adopted a two-station Apple computing area which allows students who use Apple computers a familiar environment. The second addition was the creation of two group computing areas that allow multiple students to share access to a computer to work on group projects. Equipped with image scanners and Adobe Photoshop, these additions werer requested by our students.

If you have any questions concerning our equipment or services, feel free to contact the Office of Systems & Technology at 873-4402, or send an email to bwatson@nelson.usf.edu.