Tech Library: A Model for Tomorrow

Appendix G: Interview with Morteza Rahimi - VP & Chief Technology Officer, IT Vice President

What Technology Infrastructure does Northwestern have in place?

There is a very powerful network connecting the whole university already in place.
Northwestern also makes part of an international research and communications network, which is connected with the main international networks in the world (British, German, French, Canadian Networks, etc…).
It is a “very rich environment” with huge capabilities. Min transfer communication rate: 10 Megabits, Max: 1 Gigabit.
In addition, the Main Library boasts more advanced systems and technologies for imaging purposes, analysis, tools for creating new materials, software, search and producing software.
Academic Technologies located at 2E Wing in Main Library, would serve as good contact to have a hands-on experience on to what technology Northwestern has to offer.

What are your ideas for technology for Tech Library?

The question is: Do we need a library as a place to store books anymore? Do we need an engineering library to store, manuscripts or books?
What would be best for everyone is to discard this use for the library and establish a new concept: To make the library into a meeting point; where one can access information resources (online, through systems) and hold human interaction and involvement.
It is a matter of the “Individual vs. Shared Experience”
As an example: Anyone can search material on their own computer; but meeting with peers to work offers advantages as well.
Right now, the books and publications in the library are taking up space that could be used for:
- Meeting Places
- Conference Rooms (with visual displays, screens, media, resources)
- Video Libraries

What could be improved?

Right now, Main Library is actually partnering with Google to create a video library (educational, information, entertainment, and other purposes) for easy access for the Library. Partnering with Google to perform mass digitization is “a very good idea” and should be promoted.
The concept of the library now being a “meeting place” than a “textual storage place” should also be re-enforced, given that very few people still go to the library to check out books.
Study conditions, and accessibility to informational/educational resources should be increased.