University Catalogue: 2006-07
Instructional Support Resources
Classroom instruction at the University is supplemented by services provided to the entire academic community and by the specialized resources of individual departments, including a number of facilities and collections which are made available to the public.
The William D. McIntyre Library, occupying a six-level structure in the center of the campus, is open 112 hours each week during fall and spring semesters. Its study facilities are designed to create an inviting atmosphere with lounge seating, individual carrels, and group study rooms. Open stacks permit ready access to library resources. The library uses the Voyager online system for access to its collections and other library functions. The library houses more than 568,000 bound volumes, 176,000 government publications, and 1,235,000 units of microform materials. The library currently subscribes to 1,372 periodicals in print form and provides access to more than 13,300 full-text electronic journals. Special facilities and collections include the following:
The Reference Department on the first floor of the library provides an extensive collection of reference materials in both print and electronic form. Public access computers in this and other locations in the library provide access to more than 150 electronic databases (also available from off-campus), the library's catalog, and virtually all university-supported software.
The Government Publications Department houses the U.S. and Wisconsin Document Collections. McIntyre Library serves the Eau Claire area as a regional depository for state materials and as a selective depository for federal information.
The Instructional Media Center houses collections of materials that support the University's education and other programs. In addition to print collections of elementary and secondary curriculum materials, the center provides facilities for listening to and viewing all types of media, including videocassettes, compact disks, DVDs, and CD-ROMs.
All circulating library materials are checked out at the main Circulation Desk which also houses the library's collection of print reserve materials that professors assign for their students to read. Most reserve materials are now available electronically.
The Special Collections Department unites five collections. The Area Research Center (ARC) is a regional depository of the Wisconsin Historical Society, containing historical manuscripts, public records, maps, and photos relating to Eau Claire and five surrounding counties. The ARC can borrow other archival materials from the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Archives, or the rest of the ARC Network. The Rare Book Collection contains 2,800 volumes which are rare, old, limited editions, autographed, or which contain exceptionally fine illustrations or print. The University Archives documents the official and unofficial life of the University since 1916. The Local History Collection includes published materials, historic maps, and historic photographs of interest to historical researchers and genealogists. The Thesis Collection contains an archival copy of every UW-Eau Claire thesis.
The library is a member of Wisconsin Library Services, a network developed to facilitate borrowing of materials from other libraries, and OCLC, Inc., an international online computer network providing cataloging and interlibrary loan services. Copy machines or scanners for both microforms and print copy are located at appropriate service points. Other services and resources of the library are described on the Library's Web page.
Learning and Technology Services' (LTS) role is to support the enhancement of student experiences by providing an information system that enables instruction and scholarship. Services include computing and networking support for the administrative, instructional, research, and outreach functions of the University. In supporting the University's needs, LTS strives to provide modern computer hardware and the latest in applications software and support for all campus users. The Administrative Computing and Networking Facility is located in Schofield Hall and the Student Computing, Help Desk, and Desktop Support Center are located in the Information Technology Resource Center in the Old Library.
LTS operates and maintains computer systems for instructional, research, and administrative support; servers for network management; and numerous other servers for application deployment and support. Each student is allocated space on a server for the storage and retrieval of class and personal information. The systems are available from many campus locations through the campus backbone network as well as through ISPs. All students, faculty, and staff have access to the computing and networking resources, and access is generally available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
LTS supports 17 general access computer laboratories. At least one lab is located in each of the major buildings on campus. When these facilities are not being used for instruction they function as open laboratories for students and staff on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Blugold System is a self-serve, menu-directed system that allows students to register, view open and closed courses, look up directory information, check on the status of their accounts, check their addresses, request degree audits and transcripts, and view other administrative data. Access to this system is via a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which students are given as part of their orientation to the University.
LTS supports e-mail for students, staff, and faculty. Students, staff, and faculty may also take advantage of communications software to transfer files between microcomputers or between the mainframe computer systems and the servers. Additionally, LTS is a member of WiscNet, which provides access to the Internet for electronic communication nationally and internationally.
The Network for Excellence in Teaching (NET) provides a wide range of instructional media and technology consultation, services, and equipment. Located in Schofield 30, the unit plays a leading role in supporting teaching, learning, and learning environments.
NET's mission is twofold. Its primary mission is supporting faculty, academic staff, and students throughout the instructional process, beginning with instructional technology consultation and instructional materials development, then continuing with design, support, and maintenance of the campus's learning spaces: traditional, distance education, and virtual. This includes visual design support for scholarly activities and support for faculty/student collaborations. As a secondary mission, NET provides communications and technology consulting, services, and equipment for administrative staff, campus activities, and major events.
LTS Supports Learning Processes and Learning Environments
Instructional Support Services
LTS provides the following instructional support services:
- instructional design and technology consulting support
- faculty professional development in several areas: instructional design, use of instructional technology and software, use of classroom equipment, use of multimedia, and development of instructional materials
- instructional materials production (photography; original art; scanning; digital imaging out to multiple formats; multimedia; audio and video recording; audio and video editing, duplicating, and format conversion)
Classroom Support Services
LTS supports traditional, distance education, and virtual learning spaces in the following ways:
- learning space needs assessment
- learning space design
- purchase and installation of instructional technology equipment
- emergency, operational, and preventative maintenance support
- maintenance of an equipment pool used for short-term needs
- design, installation, and maintenance of the campus academic TV network
LTS Provides Campus-Wide Audio/Visual Services
LTS staff lend their expertise not only to curriculum and learning spaces support but also to support for the audio and visual needs of the greater campus community. Such services include: design, installation, and maintenance of the sound technology in major campus facilities such as Zorn Arena, Gantner Concert Hall, and the campus theatres; sound reinforcement for forums, concerts, and other special events; photo support, including portraits and public relations photos; and communications and imaging support for administrative programs and initiatives. LTS also provides an equipment pool available for campus activities.
For more information, call Learning and Technology Services at (715) 836-2651, fax to (715) 836-6001, e-mail to lts.contact@uwec.edu, or browse the LTS Web site: www.uwec.edu/lts.
