HISTORY
Brooklyn College has historically maintained a unified computing support environment. Support and operations evolved along with contemporary technology and were integrated into the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS). Our early operations were appropriate for a campus community centered around large, mainframe-based systems and administrative users. When an ever increasing number of faculty, research, and administrative staff quickly began to use our technology, the need to better serve all users and provide specialized academic support became obvious and was the impetus for the creation of a separate department within the Library: the Office of Academic Information Technologies (AIT).
THE LIBRARY
The Library staff has always maintained a close relationship with faculty and academic departments and has a proven track record of providing both faculty and student training in both the use of technology and library resources. The staff provides support for faculty instruction, including print materials, audio-visual services, and new media materials. The Library's solid computing infrastructure, accessible walk-in spaces, and extended hours are being thoroughly modernized and expanded by the complete renovation of the site.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AT THE LIBRARY
The Office of Academic Information Technologies (AIT) is a fundamental department within the BC Library and has always provided support and training for both faculty and students in the effective use of contemporary computer technology and electronic resources. Leading BC in the development of instructional technology tools, AIT provides one-on-one support for faculty instruction that includes development and creation of print materials, audio/visual services, and new media materials. Faculty support also includes assistance with the development of individual and department Web sites. AIT works closely with various faculty advisory groups, advises the administration on appropriate allocation of resources, and suggests new directions in which to explore technology.
THE ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (ITS)
Information Technology Services (ITS) is responsible for the management and maintenance of all operational information technology functions at Brooklyn College, maximizing our present technology, and researching and planning our technology needs for the future. ITS installs of systems of every size and scope and provides individual PC support, service and instruction. The department purchases and distributes PC equipment and software and manages most student labs. ITS also maintains and operates mainframe applications and BC Websites and networks and directs faculty and staff to appropriate sources of extensive training or application assistance. ITS also provides login IDs for network, mainframe and e-mail systems and manages site-licensed software distribution.
Following is a snapshot of the roles of ITS and AIT when a faculty member receives a computer for the first time.
ITS
AIT
AIT and ITS, jointly