Student Technology Fee Funding Awarded to Pullman Libraries

Members of the Digital Audio Collective, a WSU student club, worked with their advisor, WSU Libraries Systems IT staff member Jason Anderson, on a proposal for a new Synth Lab in Holland Library’s Dimensions Lab. Photo courtesy of Anderson.

The WSU Student Technology Fee Committee recently approved two funding requests from the Pullman libraries, including replacement of laptops for checkout and the creation of a new Synth Lab. Students and staff worked on the committee proposals, which will receive funding in July.

“I am so grateful for our students and our colleagues who work closely with them,” said Trevor Bond, WSU Libraries’ interim dean. “Receiving student technology fee funding is always competitive, and to have both library proposals approved is amazing.”

Student presenters Ivan Quintero, Molly Iverson, and Graham Rustay collaborated with Access Services Manager Brian McManus to request $33,548 to purchase 30 new laptops with extra power cables for checkout through Access Services.

Current checkout laptops will no longer be supported after this spring semester when Microsoft transitions from Windows 10 to Windows 11. To continue the service, the libraries must replace the hardware to comply with Windows 11 system requirements.

Last year, the libraries’ laptop checkout program served 312 students, according to checkout data. Any WSU student physically located on the Pullman campus can use the service if a laptop is available for checkout.

“WSU Libraries are one of the few places on campus a WSU student can have access to a laptop on a regular basis, without having to outright purchase a laptop,” McManus said. “We provide these laptops on a four-hour checkout basis. They are always in high demand, and at certain points during the semester, we have to turn patrons away at the circulation desk because all our hourly Windows laptops are checked out.”

The Digital Audio Collective, a student club, worked with their advisor, WSU Libraries Systems IT staff member Jason Anderson, on a $30,436 proposal for a new Synth Lab in Holland Library’s Dimensions Lab. Student presenters included Julio Reyes, Isaiah Soliz, Sherlyn Gabriel, Gabe Heinrichs, Sebastian Compton, Erick Rebelukag, Xander Marquardt, Hudson Davis, Molly Heib, and Alana Williams. Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections graduate student and DAC member Kahyun Uhm also supported the project.

The Synth Lab will contain a suite of electronic instruments and recording equipment for creating electronic music and sound design. This includes synthesizers, keyboards, samplers, drum machines, and recording equipment. All WSU undergraduates can book the lab for four hours, and access will not be limited or prioritized by affiliation with a department or group.

“This will complement the WSU Libraries’ Dimensions Lab mission of offering digital media creation resources, especially regarding the existing Audio Lab,” Anderson said.

The DAC facilitates an inclusive environment for students to find collaborative opportunities, share information, and support each other in realizing audio-based projects. Club members will spend time with the gear once the Synth Lab opens and offer workshops that help the WSU community understand what is available and how to use it.

“Physical interaction with hardware tends to make music and sound design tools more enjoyable and accessible,” Anderson said. “The Synth Lab will be a free, self-serve library resource where any student with or without musical interests will find an exciting opportunity to explore sound-making.”