By the Apache Staff

Speak to a lab assistant who can arrange for another available lab to be opened, and don't expect instant computer access between classes at peak hours.

Peak times in the lab are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. but the biggest problems occur between classes, according to Michelle Story, laboratory instructor.

"I can almost guarantee you in between classes we are booked solid with people checking their e-mail or printing an assignment," she said. "If it's in between classes, the busy walk-through time, I'll ask them to wait a few minutes before a lab gets opened."

While Fridays used to be slow days, even Fridays are busy, Story said.

Plans are to add ten new computers and 12 to 15 older ones to the 48 already in the lab. The additions will be made, Story said, after the Information Technology Services staff finishes upgrading other campus computers. Tables to accommodate those computers are already in the lab.

Story said the older computers will be ones that have been replaced in other labs or faculty - staff offices, and they will be just for Internet access and the Norton Connect software used in English composition classes.

"For people just coming in between classes to print an assignment, that would satisfy their needs," she said.