New library scanners provide paper jam relief through smart technology

The Knowledge Imaging Center (KIC) scanners in the Miller Nichols Library and Dental and Health Sciences libraries are a high-tech alternative to photocopiers and traditional scanners.

The new Knowledge Imaging Center (KIC) scanners on campus allow students to save documents electronically with little hassle.

The new scanners are able to scan any textbook, magazine or newspaper article, class notes, photos and other materials and send them to an e-mail address or portable flash drive.

The image can also be transferred into a PDF. The text within a scanned image from the PDF files can then be pasted into reports or research papers.

The image can also be printed if a hard copy is required. Best of all, the scanning service is free.

The scanners are equipped to handle material from the size of a postage stamp size to as large as 11 x 17 inches. It can scan in grayscale or full color, depending on a student’s needs.

The new scanners are more efficient and easier to use than traditional scanners or photocopiers.

The KIC scanners are slanted so a textbook or magazine can be placed properly to avoid the unsightly dark spot caused by the crease in the center. Pages are scanned one at a time.

“I think they’re a lot more user friendly,” senior liberal arts student Luke Wantz said of the KIC scanners. “[The old scanners] were like a waste of money. They were more effective as a paperweight. They were constantly jamming, and I would get ink smears all over my stuff. This is a lot better.”

Wantz listed some of the benefits of the new scanners.

“It makes things a lot easier for copy and pasting,” he said. “I don’t have to retype things, I can just scan it and import into my document for direct quotes for the papers that I’m working on.”

“It’s what people want,” Head of Resource Sharing Cindy Thompson said. “We have noticed a significant decrease in photocopy use and an increase in scanner use. The KIC scanners are more efficient and they save paper.”

With five KIC scanners already in use, plans are in the works to install more throughout campus.

Students, faculty and staff can now check out the KIC scanners on the ground floor and the second floor of Miller Nichols Library, where three scanners are located. The Dental Library and Health Sciences Library each have one KIC scanner.

“We have already received positive feedback about the new scanners,” Thompson said. “Both students and faculty like how easy they are to use and that they save time.” time.”

kbaxendale@unews.com