April 9, 2024
The Maryland Library Association (MLA) will honor Anne Arundel Community College’s (AACC) Truxal Library Access Services staff with the President’s Customer Service Award during its annual conference May 10. The award recognizes their support of the college’s technology lending program implemented at the start of the pandemic.
The library staff – Corey Allender, Miriam Amores, Jennifer Doll, Theo Pitts and Christine Vasica – collaborated with the Information and Instructional Technology department to develop policies and procedures for the technology lending program, which gave students access to laptops, hotspots, webcams and other resources.
In fiscal year 2021, 418 laptops were loaned out. That number grew to 613 by fiscal year 2023.
Surveys revealed that 94% of respondents found the program "extremely helpful." Testimonials from students highlight the program's role in alleviating financial burdens and facilitating coursework.
"It really helped eliminate a lot of financial and overall stress for me," one respondent wrote.
“My laptop unfortunately stopped working halfway through the semester, borrowing a laptop allowed me to access all of my classes,” wrote another.
Students may continue to request laptops, webcams and other resources by contacting the library.