New kit for a new academic year

Are you busy preparing new equipment for the next academic year? University technicians across the country are getting ready for the next student intake, making sure that technical resources, studios and rooms are ready for use.

It’s the kind of hard work that really pays off when you know the new resources you’re preparing will be put to good use. But how can you make sure that’s the case?

Joe Smith is a Creative Industries student who turns up for classes in September and knows nothing about the new departmental resources you’ve been preparing. How will he find out about all the exciting new kit? When he next stops by the checkout desk? Or maybe in class, when the next assignment is set? And when he is told about it, how will he remember all the details?

With an online system like connect2, Joe can see for himself:

• The latest details on the range of equipment available for loan
• What he’s authorised to borrow and how long for
• How to book it, where to collect it from and where to return it to

With the help of connect2, your hard work processing new inventory will automatically lead to good awareness of what’s available, in turn increasing usage. An online showcase and booking facility maximises the benefits of introducing new inventory to relevant students and staff, giving them every opportunity to handle and try out what’s available.

Ensuring fair access

The connect2 system also supports fair access to the newest and most popular resources. Advance booking and borrowing permissions make sure everyone who needs access to the equipment will have opportunity to use it. If training is a prerequisite to using equipment, this can be factored in to the automated borrowing permissions. Connect2 can even make sure faculty or more senior students take priority, giving them the ability to book further ahead and access more items than other users.

Introducing new kit is always exciting. It’s rewarding when the new resources are well used... to find out more about how connect2 works, please click here.

Wishing you all the best for the new academic year!