IRM-BCS just finished updating its Web site. The new site provides more information about our services with an improved user-friendly focus.

During the past semester, IRM-BCS has engaged in an effort to improve its Web site, not only by increasing available information online, but also by improving its usability and connection with the main campus.

One of its key areas were its request forms, many of which had become obsolete or did not reflect Broward's needs. In order to complete the update, IRM-BCS worked in a collaborative way with IRM-Online Client Services(OCS) to modernize and consolidate several online forms used for booking audiovisual services, computer desktop support, software installation, and instructional computer labs, through the IRM Helpdesk Web site.

As part of this effort, IRM-BCS worked hard to replace various antiquated online forms, normally used by Broward faculty and staff, with newer ones. It, then, engaged in an effort to create new forms to include other services that were missing or were unique to Broward. Spearheaded by Peter Shimpeno, Computer Lab Manager in the Davie campus, and with the help of the Davie and Fort Lauderdale managers in the audiovisual team, the needs of the Broward community were assessed and evaluated by taking into consideration the various services offered by IRM-BCS that faculty and staff would like to request or reserve online. These collaborative meetings addressed Broward's unique needs, and the result yielded more concrete specifications for a consolidated set of forms that not only meets (but exceeds!) the needs of our customers in Broward.

The collected specifications were then submitted to IRM-OCS, a department in IRM responsible for maintaining many of the online services available at FAU. After implementing the suggestions, IRM-OCS rapidly developed a simplified form within the same online help request system available to all the users of FAU's technology support.

The form was made available online in April 2008. Faculty and staff at the FAU Broward campuses may now request every service offered by IRM-BCS by simply submitting a support ticket to the Help Desk through http://www.fau.edu/helpdesk.