The Karrmann Library is a modern learning resource center that provides a diversity of information accessible through computerized indexes to the library's collections. The collections include 272,000 books, bound periodicals and Instructional Material Laboratory printed items; over 100 subscription databases, many of which offer full-text journal articles; 90,000 government publications; 11,000 audiovisual materials; 20,000 maps; 1,000,000 microforms; and subscriptions to more than 1,200 periodicals, 60 newspapers and 1,200 other serial titles. Many more journal and newspaper titles are offered full-text online. A statewide interlibrary loan network among UW libraries supplements these materials.
The library's web page, accessible from the main UW-Platteville page, provides access to a wide variety of electronic resources available on the Internet, including full-text articles. The library's resources can be accessed either in the library or remotely from computer labs, residence hall rooms, offices or homes. Reference service is always available on the main floor of the library, by telephone at 608.342.1668 or by e-mailing "Ask a Librarian!" off the library homepage.
To facilitate use, this carpeted and air-conditioned building contains several computer labs, a variety of study areas, reading rooms and individual carrels. In addition, the library includes audiovisual equipment including listening areas, photocopy equipment, microform readers and special collection areas. All of these resources, along with a helpful and friendly staff, reflect the library's commitment to supporting individual study and research.
University librarians are available to provide library use instruction for any classes or to assist with any assignment-specific needs. Arrangements are made with the librarian assigned to work with a specific department.
The Karrmann Library provides support of information resources to faculty incorporating library components into distance learning environments and to students taking courses at a distance from UW System institutions.
The Office of Information Technology provides for the communication and computing technology needs of the university community. Eager to assist students in the use of computing technology, OIT strongly encourages each student to make use of the excellent resources available on campus. Additionally, OIT provides computer support and troubleshooting for all faculty and staff and manages and maintains the university's web presence and the Pioneer Administrative Software System.
Located in the Markee Pioneer Student Center and Karrmann Library, GCA labs are available to all students from early morning to late night during the school term. Labs make available both PC and Macintosh systems and laser printers with a variety of software for word processing, spreadsheet and database management in addition to Internet access and course-specific software. Consultants staff the labs to answer questions and provide assistance.
Each of the three colleges and many of the academic units within each college provide computer labs with hardware and software suited to their particular disciplines. Hardware, software, scheduled availability and support are all determined by the college or department.
OIT manages the wireless network for the campus, providing simple access for wireless-enabled devices. All of the academic buildings and residence halls on campus have wireless access capabilities. Authentication is required to be on the UW-Platteville wireless network.
Every residence hall room and every classroom building have the wiring necessary for complete network and Internet access. ResNet, a division of Student Housing, provides support for residence hall network access.
Each student receives a computer account with a unique NetID and password that provides full electronic mail capability and access to UW-Platteville computer labs. Students may access the Internet in any lab, via wireless or through a ResNet connection.
The Help Desk, 608.342.1400 or ( helpdesk@uwplatt.edu), is the first point of contact for faculty and staff with any computer problems, including new system installs, software and hardware purchases, computer errors and lab problems. Telephone support personnel will attempt to answer most questions over the telephone. Any issues not resolved immediately are assigned to Help Desk technicians or computer support staff who provide prompt and courteous service.
The Learning Technology Center, located on the fourth floor of Karrmann Library, provides a myriad of training and support services ranging from productivity training to assistance with online delivery of course and departmental information. Working closely with the Office of Information Technology and Media Technology Services, the LTC offers high quality instruction in areas of professional and technical development. Services of the LTC are available at no cost to faculty, staff and students of UW-Platteville.
The LTC offers training and instruction throughout the year. Training is free and covers a full range of classes, including electronic mail and calendar, word processing, spreadsheets, information resources, course management systems and other technologies used in the classroom. Training schedules are revised regularly to meet the information resource and technology needs of the campus community. In addition, orientations for newcomers to campus are coordinated with campus-wide orientation programs. Consult the LTC's Pioneer Solutions website for additional information.
The LTC promotes and supports the use of web utilities for the enhancement of on-campus course content delivery. LTC staff work directly with faculty to provide technical and instructional support for those teaching staff and faculty interested in utilizing the web or other technologies in teaching.
Media Technology Services, located in Pioneer Tower, provides a variety of services to faculty and students to support academic programs and projects. The areas of service include the following:
MTS video and audio records a wide variety of activities on campus for a variety of purposes: guest lectures, event documentation, meetings, interviews, student presentations and pre-recording of lectures for later playback. Taping can be done in the classroom or on location. MTS can record cable television programs for instructional uses.
MTS can duplicate videotapes in the following formats: DVCAM, DVD, mini DV, S-VHS, Umatic/SP and VHS. MTS can also transfer photographs, PowerPoint and 35mm slides to videotape or DVD for classroom use. Duplication of DVD, CD, audiocassettes and VHS is also available.
The university has three facilities with the capability to transmit or receive video from a variety of sources using various technologies.
MTS provides equipment and support for producing podcasts, screencasts and other digital media recordings. MTS has a screencasting lab equipped with both Macintosh and Windows operating systems. The lab also has the ability to convert PowerPoint presentations into QuickTime or Windows Media files. Portable podcast kits are available for checkout that will enable users to make audio recordings from the classroom or office.
Want to add a video to a D2L site or web page? MTS can help. MTS can convert almost all video formats to flash for the web or D2L. MTS can also stream longer video clips for students to view outside of class.
A variety of maintenance services, including equipment repair, equipment recommendations and maintenance of technology enhanced classrooms, are provided by the Media Technology Services staff.