The lack of functioning printers in Samuel H. Coleman Memorial Library has been a problem for students since school started in this fall.
Coleman Library is in the process of installing a brand new printing network that will be customized specifically for Florida A&M. This is a collaborative effort between the library and FAMU Enterprise Information Technology.
“Printing has been extremely difficult and very inconvenient,” said Faith Lowe, 22, a second-year history student from Orlando.
Coleman Library is in the first phase of installing the new network. Last spring was the soft launch of the new system but the complete system has not yet been fully installed.
The new printing network will provide students more options and capabilities than in the past, such as an electronic database management system that will allow students to print using their e-mail and password.
The next phase of the project will upgrade the three branches of the library, according to Associate Director of Libraries Ruth Maddox Swan.
“This process takes time and inconvenience is the way to improvements,” said Swan.
Swan said that printing will be restored as soon as they can get the various parts of the system integrated to work together error free.
The university has purchased seven new multifunctional printers. The new printers will have more paper sizes, a scanner, copier, duplex and wireless printing.
According to Swan the wireless feature will allow students to print from their laptops.
Even though the main library is not able to offer students printing, the three branch libraries are fully functional and can provide courtesy support to students. The three branches are located inside the School of Architecture, School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, and Science Research Center Library.
“The cyber common area will be up and running at the end of the week to provide students with another place to print,” said Student Government Association Vice President Breyon Love.
The Student Government Association has been working with the library to help with the printing situation on campus. They have allocated funds to provide students with free printing.
“The SGA team has been working hard for students, and are always proactive,” Swan said.
“Students have been cooperative and patient, this makes a much better working climate,” Swan said.