Need an iPad? Thanks to new funding through the Associated Students of the University of Utah, ASUU, 35 new iPads are available for checkout at the J. Willard Marriott Library at the Knowledge Commons desk on level two. The checkout period is 120 days while items are available.  

A partnership to help students 

The funding process began when Muskan Walia, a former ASUU senate chair, approached the library to address the need for more iPads for student checkout. After several meetings with Harish Maringanti, associate dean of research, and Matt Irsik, head of user support and computing services, Walia introduced a bill to have ASUU use its annual funding to purchase 35 iPads. After several more meetings, the bill was approved and funding was allocated for the purchase, thanks to ASUU President Jack O’Leary, who helped get the bill through the final steps.

“We know that having access to the right technology is essential for students,” O’Leary said. “We were glad to support this important initiative towards student success.”  

While student computing funds are awarded to the various colleges and departments by the Teaching & Learning Portfolio, those funds must cover a large number of projects. This means that the library often receives funding to continue offering technology services but is not able to expand offerings.

“These partnerships are crucial to meeting an ever-expanding need for student checkout technology,” Irsik said. “Additional funding like this helps bridge the gap.” 

Looking ahead 

The library is currently working with the Office of Undergraduate Studies and the David Eccles School of Business to provide additional laptops for several programs that will be taking place at the new Herriman campus.

“The library is always looking for new and improved ways to help students succeed,” said Sarah Shreeves, the Alice Sheets Marriott dean of libraries. “Students are our priority, so the ability to increase access to tools like iPads is a win for both us and our students.”