The University Libraries Introduce OpenRoom, an Online Room Reservation Scheduling Software

On November 9, 2009, the University Libraries released an upgraded version of OpenRoom, an online Web-based reservation software utility designed by Libraries’ personnel to aid with the management of study rooms in Bracken Library. An enhancement to this upgrade is that its source code can be shared with other organizations interested in using it.

OpenRoom offers many customizable features, such as themes for changing the look and feel of the interface, form customization for changing the type of information users must submit, and even flexibility for specifying the way users log into the system. If a feature is not available in OpenRoom, its modular design makes it easy to plug in a custom-made component.

Through the optimization of the code and the prominent use of AJAX—a set of popular Web development techniques—OpenRoom offers a fast load time and requires fewer page refreshes, providing its users with a faster and less confusing online reservation utility.

OpenRoom is configured to allow students and faculty to make reservations during the current year for the coming year. The OpenRoom system has many controls, including the earliest date a reservation can be made (e.g. 01/01/10) and the latest date a reservation can be made (e.g. 05/04/10.)

The first version of the software was originally introduced in early January 2008 to make it easier for students and faculty to reserve spaces in Bracken Library for study groups, meetings, and classes. Since its introduction, more than 3,500 users have made more than 22,000 reservations using the system, and that number is growing.

The University Libraries invite others who are interested to license this software for scheduling space and other resources. There is no cost to non-profit organizations. Please contact Bradley D. Faust, Assistant Dean for Library Information Technology Services, BFaust@bsu.edu, 765-285-8032.

If you have technical questions regarding OpenRoom, contact Robert L. Seaton, Web Development Analyst, RLSeaton@bsu.edu, 765-285-8032.

New Web Applications Improve Finding an Available Computer and Software in the University Libraries

At the beginning of fall semester 2009, the Ball State University Libraries unveiled two new Web applications that allow students and faculty to find resources in Bracken Library and in the two branch libraries that are located in separate buildings, the Architecture Library and the Science-Health Science Library.

The Computer Availability application allows students and faculty to find available computer workstations in the three facilities. The second utility, Software Locator, helps them to find workstations that are equipped with the particular software that they need. These new utilities are found at the bottom right on the Student Virtual Library Web page, www.bsu.edu/library/svl.

Libraries’ Student Assistant Danielle Stewart describes the Computer Availability Web page as “…something students can really use.” This online interactive map of Bracken Library updates every five seconds, displaying available or open computers on each floor. Robert L. Seaton, Web Development Analyst, offers a more technical overview of the Web page: “An agent runs on every Public Access Computer (PAC) that reports that computer’s status to a server. The Web page simply requests availability information for each computer by its location and displays them on a map.” The result is that students, faculty, and staff coming to Bracken or one of the two branch libraries can find a computer for use quickly and efficiently without having to hunt for an available workstation. To test the Computer Availability utility, view www.bsu.edu/libraries/cas.

With Software Locator, users can quickly find workstations in any of the three libraries that have the particular software they require and can see if those computers are available for use. According to Seaton, “A database is kept up-to-date with information about each Public Access Computer, including its software and its physical location. When a search is performed, the Web page checks the database to identify what computers by their location have a particular piece of software installed. This data is then reported for viewing on the Computer Availability Web page for a map.” To test the Software Locator, view www.bsu.edu/libraries/swsearch.

Information Services Librarian Eric B. Fisher says, “That Software Locator is amazing. I had a student in this weekend [at the Reference Desk]. He was looking for Microsoft Project. I used the locator to find what computers have it loaded and was able to send him right to one that he could use.”

When modifications to software on any computer occur, updating of the database immediately reflects the new software availability in the system, eliminating any lag inherent in publishing a new software list.

For more information, contact Sean Walton, Emerging Technologies Librarian, SPWalton2@bsu.edu, 765-285-1101.

University’s President Selects Vice President for Information Technology

Philip C. Repp accepted the position of Vice President for Information Technology, a position which encompasses providing leadership for the Teleplex Services (including Indiana Public Radio-National Public Radio and WIPB-Public Broadcasting Station), University Computing Services, and the University Libraries. The Vice President is also a member of President Jo Ann Gora’s cabinet.

Mr. Repp, who was recently recognized by Campus Technology magazine as one of its 2008 innovators of the year for the development of Ball State's Digital Corps, has held a variety of administrative positions at Ball State, including interim Vice President when Dr. H. O’Neal Smitherman vacated the position 13 months ago, and Associate Vice President for Information Technology prior to that beginning in 2002.

He joined Ball State in 1981 in the Department of Art. He has served the University as department chairman, associate dean of Sciences and Humanities, and director of the Visualization, Animation and Imaging Lab.

Mr. Repp was a contributing author of two digital technology grants from the Lilly Endowment totaling $40 million. He now will help oversee implementation of a new $17.7 million Emerging Media Initiative meant to focus and accelerate the university's expertise in the field while spurring economic development through innovation, technology transfer, and the enhanced skills of a 21st century workforce.

Dr. Gora commended Mr. Repp for his work with the David Letterman Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series, which will help bring nationally recognized media professionals to Ball State. He assisted with the Emerging Media Initiative, which stemmed from a $17.7 million Lilly Endowment grant and will go toward improving media programs at Ball State. He also led the university's digital media storage project in collaboration with Network Appliance, which received an award from InfoWorld as an example of outstanding enterprise, innovation, and information technology leadership. As well, he spearheaded the campus-wide strategic planning process for the Office of Information Technology.

Mr. Repp said that he looks forward to advancing the university’s new technologies and emerging media missions and facilitating the use of advanced technologies in teaching, learning, and research.

Among his accomplishments during 2008, Mr. Repp assisted the University Libraries in obtaining a large donation for the Helen B. and Martin D. Schwartz Special Collections and Digital Complex which will be completed in 2009 at Bracken Library, purchase of technology for public areas of the Libraries, and he has supported expansion of the Archives and Special Collections through renovation of facilities.