David Robinson

robinson@ulibnet.mtsu.edu

Don Craig

Library

Open computer labs

Walker Library

Replacement of Existing Technology

Existing printer release stations are over five years old, running 300 MHz processors with Windows 95 operating system. The touch screen monitors are faded almost to the point of illegibility making it difficult for students to see which print job(s) should be released. Vendor support for version GS-2 is ending soon. When the print control system has been inoperable, greater waste of printer output is observed due to confusion over which printer job is being delivered to printers throughout the building.

Upgrade student-access printer release station hardware and software to GoPrint version GS-3. This will include replacing the dim, almost unreadable touch-screen monitors, replacing the release-station control computers, and replacing the protective monitor holder on the front of the kiosks. Cost of the project also includes upgrading our GoPrint licenses from version GS-2 to GS-3, installation integration, testing and training.. This should increase stability of the system, and improve our statistical gathering capability. Between March 1, 2003 and January 22, 2004, over 2,582,650 pages have been printed on the 8 student printers in the library. During the same time period, 192,537 unclaimed pages were not printed. The GoPrint release stations appear to be well liked by the students. We have received compliments because GoPrint reduces traffic around the printers and confusion regarding which pile of printout belongs to whom, since the job is not actually printed until the student releases the job from the queue. Since this print control system is working well and enhances our service to the students we want to continue to use it.