Library lends technology


Wendy Wilcox/Cornell University Library
Hannah Chapman, specialized equipment coordinator for the library, checks out a projector to Gloria Majule '17.

Everyone knows the library loans out books, journal articles and much more. But what about high-res digital cameras and voice recorders?

Through a pilot project begun in the fall, students, faculty and staff can borrow dozens of pieces of multimedia equipment – projectors, cameras, camcorders, tripods, recorders, wireless microphones and projection screens – from Uris and Mann libraries.

Some equipment can be reserved in advance; other items are loaned on a first-come-first-served basis. And everything can be taken out for 24 hours and used for personal use as well as class-related projects and presentations. 

“After careful assessment, we realized that we could meet students’ needs regardless of which college they’re in or which library they frequent,” said Tobi Hines, user services and multimedia librarian at Mann. “We’ve been really gratified to see the success of this pilot program – the equipment is being used by a very diverse group of students for very diverse projects.”