USITE Crerar Computer Cluster and Cybercafé
The newest and most innovative of NSIT's USITE clusters, USITE/Crerar is the first facility of its kind to integrate a general computing cluster, seminar-oriented collaboration areas, a multimedia and visualization classroom, video conferencing capability, and digital media laboratory into a single space open to any member of the UChicago community with a valid CNetID. A joint project of Networking Services & Information Technologies, the University of Chicago Libraries, and the Biological Sciences Division, USITE/Crerar represents the next generation in computing facility design that emphasizes a vastly improved collaborative work environment over maximizing computing seats.
Central to USITE/Crerar is the work environment. Designed around multiple uses and differing work habits, USITE/Crerar is a comfortable and inviting environment with numerous specialized work areas separated either by furniture or glass walls. From standard work surfaces of no more than four machines and reconfigurable wheeled tables that can be combined into a round seminar area for up to eight persons, to fixed booths for up to three people and seminar tables for six, USITE/Crerar is intended to adapt to the particular needs of the user or group, rather than the user changing his/her work style to match the limitations of the space. Integrated into the environment are data projection systems, rolling whiteboards, a teaching assistant's desk, and a multimedia classroom. Users of the digital media area enjoy a continuous work counter that allows individuals to spread books and other materials out without disturbing the workspace of adjacent users.
Technologically, the space is equipped with the latest switched networking and advanced wiring. All computers are equipped with LCD flat-panel displays, either freestanding or built in. LCD data projectors are available in the seminar collaboration areas and the multimedia and visualization classroom.
Over 90 computers are available and include dedicated systems for email and Web access and digital media production, as well as more general purpose Macintosh and Windows XP systems. Hardware includes Apple iMac G5 all-in-one systems, Dell Optiplex workstations, and IBM flat-panel 15" displays.
Along the north wall of the cluster is the integrated digital media laboratory, or "media wall." Based on Apple Power Macintosh G5 systems, this area is specifically designed with digital media production in mind. From supporting digital video editing to high-resolution scanning on any one of eight systems and scanners, the media wall is available to anyone during normal cluster hours. A digital media TA is available during specific times to assist users with the hardware, software, and specialized capabilities of these systems.
Wireless networking is available in each location for laptop users.
In 2006, the All Night Study Space moved to the Crerar Library. USITE/Crerar contributes 16 Windows workstations, located in the atrium outside the site, to the All Night Study experience.
Total Seats: 96
- MacOS: 38
- Windows XP: 58
Resource Availability
- Color Printers: 2
- Print Kiosks: YES
- Scanners: 6
- Transparency Scanning: YES
- Digital Video Hardware: YES
- Special Input Devices: YES
- Headphones: YES
- Video-Conferencing: YES
- Reservable Collaboration Areas: YES
Location
Crerar Library 008 (East Atrium Basement)
