UTA Libraries Invests COVID Funds in New Technology to Advance Maverick Success

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries is investing recently acquired funds awarded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) in the purchase of hundreds of new laptops.

This new acquisition will include 200+ Windows laptops, MacBooks, and MacBook Pros that will be available to Mavericks through the Libraries’ technology lending program.

“The Libraries is committed to expanding our resources in support of student success,” said Rebecca Bichel, Dean of UTA Libraries. “This—and our other forthcoming HEERF-funded projects—will transform the Maverick experience in the Libraries, and we can’t wait to hear feedback from the students on their impact.”

HEERF was established by Congress in December 2020 to release emergency funds in support of education during the COVID-19 crisis. Based on its contributions to student success, the Libraries was invited to propose projects that would positively impact students with a particular focus on challenges that have been created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The additional devices will allow UTA Libraries to respond to student demand. Associate University Librarian Gretchen Trkay, who oversees guest services and the tech lending program, is basing the purchasing decisions on surveys and student feedback.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, almost every student who utilized our technology lending program indicated that access to our devices was important to their ability to complete their coursework,” Trkay said. “We take great pride in providing essential services to Maverick Country and are committed to making informed decisions about the growth of this and other programs.”

Students also articulated varying needs for computing power and length of loan—which Trkay and her teams are responding to with the HEERF-funded program.

“The laptops purchased with HEERF funds will allow us to create a loan program with three different loan periods based on student need,” Trkay said. “We are excited to explore the many ways we can contribute to student success once we finalize the details of this program.”

The devices will be made available as they are received, processed, and prepared for student use. All 200+ devices should be available by Fall 2022 in the lending lockers on the first floor of Central Library.

UTA Libraries was invited to apply for HEERF funds by the provost in 2021 and was awarded funds to complete three projects throughout the organization in Spring 2022. More information about the other HEERF-funded projects can be found on the Libraries website.