EIU Booth Library

Booth CSI and Thomas Hall offer technology for checkout

Posted on February 23rd, 2021

Booth Library announces the opening of its Center for Student Innovation. The CSI includes a new Technology Checkout Station, an Active Learning Classroom and Design Lab. The CSI is located on the first floor of Booth Library, on the east side of the atrium.

In addition, a satellite CSI location has been opened on the lower level of Thomas Hall. A Technology Checkout Station and Design Lab are available.

Students with a valid Panther Card can check out the technology for a limited time period.

The following technology is available for checkout at the Booth CSI:

• Dell 3510 i3 256/16 laptops
• MiFi Hotspots (Mobile WiFi)
• Webcams
• Microphone/Speakers
• GoPro Fusion 360 cameras
• Canon (mirrorless) digital cameras – this equipment is not yet available

This technology is available for checkout at Thomas Hall:

• Surface Book 3 laptops
• Webcams
• Microphones
• Mini-tripods

Both Technology Checkout Stations are open from 3-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. For more information visit https://www.eiu.edu/booth/csi/tech.php. Funding for the technology checkout program was provided through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief fund.

“It became apparent at the start of the pandemic that many students didn’t have access to the technology they needed when all classes transitioned to remote learning,” said Zach Newell, dean of Library Services. “Thanks to GEER funding, we now can help alleviate that by offering various pieces of equipment available for checkout.”

Renovation of the first phase of the CSI project — the Active Learning Classroom, Design Lab and breakout rooms — was completed in November 2020 and was made possible thanks to a grant from the Charleston Area Charitable Foundation. The renovation included new flooring, electrical and Internet upgrades, updated lighting and paint.

The Design Lab is home to a variety of new technology, including a podcasting studio, gaming computers, 3D printers, Google jamboard, large computer monitors and a green screen, purchased with a grant from the Illinois State Library.

“Our goal is to provide our students and scholars with services and spaces to make their academic pursuits engaging, productive, and enjoyable,” Newell said. “Although the pandemic has delayed the implementation of activities in the CSI, we look forward to opening the space to students, faculty and the community so they can learn, experiment and innovate.”

For more information about the Center for Student Innovation, visit the web site at https://www.eiu.edu/booth/csi/index.php.