Sixth Project Period

Karen Myers and Head Librarian Venceslao Do Rego in the Computer Laboratory

Karen Myers returned to UNTL in June 2004 to work with local staff to establish the Multimedia Computer Laboratory.

• A computer laboratory was established in the rear room of the Library to support the student's need for access to word processing and other Office products.Twelve 233 MHz Pentium computers were implemented in an Ethernet peer-to-peer configuration and networked via a 24 port switch to a print server and Lexmark Optra M410 laser printer.

• The development of the laboratory was used as a practical training opportunity for local staff. All available computers and monitors were tested for hardware problems and repaired or upgraded accordingly. Basic hardware training has taken place over the placement period including the upgrade of memory and hard drives, with funds provided by Apheda.

• Ongoing electricity supply problems had been causing issues for the reliability of the computer network. Three quotes for the upgrade of the supply were obtained and the work subsequently undertaken by the state based Electricity Company of Timor Leste. The supply has been far more reliable since the work has been undertaken and the amperage seems to be sufficient to run all equipment reliably.

• An inventory of the Library's main collection was undertaken during the placement. The collection was shelf read in conjunction with the stocktake.