[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Apple_laptop.jpg” caption=”Apple computers are cropping up at McMaster Libraries. Photo courtesy of Catherine Baird.”]This September, McMaster Libraries will be introducing Apple computers in the public areas in both Thode and Mills Libraries. Come September, you'll find a sea of brand new machines, including iMacs, Mac Pros and Apple laptops.

Don't worry if you're not familiar with the Apple operating system. All of these stations will be dual boot, which means you'll be able to start them up and run either the Apple or Windows operating system.

The integration of Apple computers at the libraries allows for greater flexibility and a wider range of software choices. In addition, it gives library users a choice about which operating system they would prefer to use.

Thode Library will have the following mix of machines available on the newly renovated first floor:

Mills Library will be outfitted with a number of brand new iMacs, including:

The machines will be equipped with office software (i.e. word processing, spreadsheet) in addition to specialized software such as Matlab.

Library Learning Technologies staff, who oversee all technology in the libraries, are hurriedly preparing the new machines and testing the dual boot functionality. They are also providing training to the IT Help staff, who work at service desks in Mills Learning Commons and the first floor of Thode, to make sure we are able to answer any questions you might have when using the new machines.

An added bonus of this endeavour is that it frees up more Windows-based laptop computers to circulate through the library's laptop lending program. That means there will be more laptops for you to borrow.

Please contact John Fink, digital technologies development librarian, at jfink@mcmaster.ca with any questions.