Video conference facility available at the JS Gericke Library
August 27, 2012 
1 Comment
The Library and Information Service offers a free of charge video conferencing service to academic staff and postgraduate students to encourage and enable scholarly communication, interaction and collaboration over large distances.
Where is it located?
The video conference facility is located in Seminar Room 2 of the Research Commons (JS Gericke Library) and provides seating for 8 delegates.
To whom is it available?
Staff and postgraduate students who wish to engage with off-campus colleagues, partners, co-authors, supervisors, discussion group members, or research team members, on research-related matters, are welcome to book the facility.
Features of the system
The Polycom HDX-8000 system in use, is considered a world leader in video conferencing and is compatible with various other video conferencing products on the market.
Remote participants are connected via the Internet (IP network). Visual display is provided through a mounted video camera and two plasma screens with built-in sound. Up to three different outbound connections can be made simultaneously.
During a call, a participant is able to switch between the video camera and his/her computer in order to diplay a Powerpoint presentation, images, speadsheets, etc.
First time users
Before scheduling a video conference, enquire whether the remote caller uses a Polycom or compatible system, such as Tandberg, Lifesize, Resolve, Aethra and Sony and acquire the remote system’s IP address (e.g. 123.456.456). The IP address is required to “dial” the remote caller. Unfortunately the system does not allow for ISDN connection.
First time users should consult the video conferencing webpage about the specifications of the system and arrange a “practice call” to familiarise themselves with the technology and to ensure compatibility with the remote system.
How do I book?
For booking purposes, or enquiries, please contact Marié Roux by e-mail or at 021 808 2623.
More information is available on the Library website at: http://library.sun.ac.za/English/aboutus/libraryspaces/rc/Pages/video_conferencing.aspx.
It is great that the JS Gericke Library is offering free video conference facility to their staff and post graduate students for free. It’ll be very helpful especially for the students.