Over the summer, SRJC’s information technology department made changes to the student login process, adding a layer of security to weed out the misuse of campus computers. The library is also pioneering a powerful new search engine on the library’s home page.
Before the changes, students and community members could go into both Doyle and Mahoney libraries and have unlimited access
to the computers and the web. Now, students must use their student login information (SID and PIN) to access the Internet and library databases on SRJC computers.
Alumni members, Gold Card users and Sonoma State University students can log into the computers just like any regular student.
Non-SRJC students are still granted computer use but are limited to one hour of computer access a day, similar to the Sonoma County library system.
The Associated Students sought to improve access to library resources four years ago and it is now becoming finalized.
“The atmosphere of this library has totally changed since the cross-over. It is now a more secure and safer place for students to study,” said Library Department Chair Nancy Persons.
Since the system changes there are more computers available for student use. “It is more college-student oriented. There is a tighter relationship between the students and staff/faculty members,” Persons said.
Some students are against the login changes. “This is a very complicated system, and it doesn’t need to be. It has just made things more difficult,” said Sam Barnes, library employee.
On the other hand, the new authentication system has supporters. “It gives us a clearer idea of who is using the resources,” said library technician Cathleen Cummings. “It’s very simple for students to access, and we want to emphasize to students that if there are any problems, the staff and faculty will work to resolve any issues.”
An anonymous source employed with the Doyle library said, “I think it’s a good change. There were a lot of inappropriate things going on, and now the school is becoming more like a university, where student login information is required for any computer access on campus.”
The library has also adopted “Smart Search,” located on the library’s home webpage. This search engine allows students to search books, articles and periodicals from all databases. The newer databases in the library can connect students to eBooks that are also available to download to an iPad or computer. SRJC is the fi rst community college in California to pay to have Smart Search accessible for student use.