As multi-media communication is blasting us into the 21st century, the UA Main Library is working to keep up with the times with an Informational Commons expected by the end of the semester.

"We recognize the need on campus to access this kind of multi-media equipment," said Karen Williams, social sciences team leader for the library.

This project is a joint effort between the library and the Faculty Development Partnership, which consists of four main partners € the Center for Computing and Information Technology, the Teaching Center, the Triestman Center and the library.

Although one multi-media lab already exists on campus € at CCIT € access is limited. The library is a logical place for this kind of facility because of its longer hours, open Monday through Thursday until 1 a.m., and because it contains a lot of other useful materials for students, Williams said.

The lab, which will be set up in the Reference Room of the Main Library, will probably contain six stations, Williams said.

Williams said the lab will be very basic at first, offering word processing capabilities, presentation software, a HyperText Markup Language editor and editing software, a network laser printer, and Photoshop. The library expects to add more advanced equipment and software, including video editing software, once the staff learns more about the programs and what students want in the lab.

The commons will also have Internet access, and students will be able to telnet to the CCIT lab and access previously loaded software, Williams said.

The equipment has been ordered and Williams said they will install it as soon as it comes in, but the earliest it is expected is April.

In the meantime, students can use some multi-media software in the library at the Electronic Classroom on the third floor, expected to open Feb. 1, and available to students from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.