New one-stop shop makes IT simple for UQ students

UQ students will have ready access to information technology (IT) help in person, by phone, on the world wide web and via email, thanks to a new service managed by the UQ Library.

"From Orientation Week 2000, students will be able to telephone, email, or visit the AskIT service, available at the St Lucia, Gatton and Ipswich campuses," said University Librarian Janine Schmidt.

"A recent University survey showed that 88 percent of students have access to a computer at home and 70 percent have internet access. Sixty-eight percent also use computers on campus, mostly in the library. Many students have expressed frustration at their lack of computer skills and feel that this hinders their learning. The service will be much appreciated by students."

AskIT will provide a help desk service (Duhig Tower, St Lucia and the campus libraries at Ipswich and Gatton), telephone helpline (07 3365 8811), a website (http://askit.uq.au), an email enquiry service (help@askit.uq.edu.au). Electronic and printed versions of frequently asked questions will also be available on the AskIT website, and a training program will complement the services provided.

An initiative of the Information Technology Services Policy and Planning Committee, AskIT is a response to demands for easily accessible IT help. It will cater for students new to computers as well as those who are more experienced. Located in and managed by the Library, AskIT will be a one-stop shop for student computing and IT inquiries. Some inquiries will be handled directly, and others forwarded to experts in Information Technology Services or the faculties.

A wide range of standard computer software from the Microsoft Office Suite, general web browsers and email programs will be supported. Departments and faculties will continue to provide support for specialist application software.

IT training will be an important element of the AskIT service. A three-tiered training package has been designed including IT Fundamentals, IT Intermediate and IT Advanced. The first two courses will be offered during Orientation Week and all courses will be offered at different times throughout the year.

AskIT will maintain a fully updated list (print and electronic) of personal computers and software available to UQ students. Those already skilled in computer use will find the AskIT web site useful with its proposed chat room and bulletin board facilities.

An advisory committee has members from the faculties, Information Technology Services, the Teaching and Educational Development Institute, the Student Centre and the Student Union, as well as the Library.

For more information, contact Janine Schmidt (telephone 3365 6342 or email j.schmidt@library.uq.edu.au).