DVD machine installed in library

Gelman Library patrons will be able to rent DVDs from a new vending machine being installed in the building’s main floor.

The new DVD machine, located “right smack in the main entrance” of the library, will be ready for use this week, University Librarian Jack Siggins said.

Another machine will be placed in Thurston Hall.

Students can pay for the DVDs with their GWorld cards. Siggins said he is unsure what the cost will be.

An alumnus developed the machines and approached the University about “testing the market” at GW, Siggins said. He added that the University has “some kind of deal” with the developer, but the library will receive 10 percent of the profits from the rentals.

The library is just a location for the machine and a stipulation to the agreement was that the library would not be involved in installation, maintenance or answering questions about operating the machine, Siggins said.

Siggins was contacted about the DVD machine about seven months ago and was immediately interested.

“It was a pretty quick decision,” Siggins said. “I think students and staff will appreciate it.”

SASS creates new customer service position

Student and Academic Support Services created a director of customer services position to improve relations between the administration and students.

Andrew Sonn, former Community Living and Learning Center director, will fill the post.

As CLLC director, Sonn helped implement an online housing assignment system for undergraduate students.

The system earned the department the Customer Service Enhancement Award in 2003.

“This position will help SASS concentrate our efforts to advance the customer service agenda division wide,” Robert Chernak, senior vice president for Student and Academic Support Services, said in a press release.

“Andy’s compassion for dealing with individual GW students and parents, his business service skills, and past student-centered initiatives in the Office of Housing Services and Occupancy Management make him particularly well suited for this position.”

-Caitlin Carroll