The new printers are up and running at Mossey Library. A total of five new printers, two color and three black and white, replaced the five-year-old models that had been in use last fall. With four-floor model Xerox AltaLink B8055 (black and white) and C8055 (color) printers located on the first floor and the fifth Xerox VersaLink B405 (black and white) printer located on the third floor, many of the last-minute paper jams that students experienced will be relieved by these faster printers. Library Director Dr. Maurine McCourry stated that all of the printers allow students to print from emails, scans, or USBs. McCourry noted that the funds for the printers came from the Library’s General Operating Budget and come in well under $1000.
Librarian Brenna Wade noted that the printers were the “number one complaint” of the student body regarding the library and that the new printers would help alleviate some of that frustration. Wade stated that the new printers are a step-up from the previous model, noting that they have a screen that allows students to track the progress of their printing job and easily cancel the document if they send the wrong file. Another bonus of the new Xerox AltaLink C8055 printers is the improved color printing. Wade, however, noted that clubs and organizations hoping to produce high-quality prints should continue using the copying center.
Compared to last semester’s printing experience, Freshman Meera Baldwin was happy with how easy it was to connect wirelessly.
“It also prints much faster,” stated Baldwin. “Even when there were lots of people printing, mine was ready right when I walked over.”
Senior Lucas O’Hannian stated that the first time he used the printers there were a couple of issues, which happens with any new technology, but by the second attempt everything worked well.
While the new printers should cause much less confusion and paper waste than the previous models, Wade wanted to remind those using the printers to avoid “solving” issues by themselves. She said that the librarians and student workers are all trained on dealing with the printers, and reduced student attempts to fix paper jams will hopefully keep the printers in new condition as long as possible.
