The Daily Bulletin Archive

Through a collaboration between E. H. Butler Library staff, the Information Services and Systems Office, Computing and Technology Services, and Sodexo, a single card system was launched last month for Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff. The Buffalo State ID card now manages multiple funds such as dining dollars and printing and copy services in the library. And it may soon offer much more.

As soon as next fall, the card could be used in vending machines across campus. And that’s just the beginning.

“We also plan to work with local grocery stores, restaurants, and businesses to install swipe machines at their locations, allowing students, faculty, and staff the convenience of making purchases with their cards,” said Maureen Lindstrom, Butler Library’s associate director for information commons.

Andrew Chambers, application support and training desk supervisor in E. H. Butler Library, also said a Web-based transaction system is in the works. With such a system, “parents could easily add money to students’ cards,” he said.

Chambers, who earned degrees at Binghamton University and the University at Buffalo, saw the “one-card system” successfully implemented at those institutions.

“Before we launched the new system, people would lose their funds if they lost their cards,” he said. “Now money balances are stored on a computer database. So if people lose their cards, they can simply purchase replacement cards to access their funds again.”

The new system also creates cost savings from a support standpoint.

“The switch to the one-card system was, in part, need-based,” said Lindstrom. “The existing card-reader machines we had were old and often jammed up cards, sometimes leading to costly repairs. The new card machines work better and even allow students, faculty, and staff to use a credit card to add more ‘Bengal Bucks.’”

E. H. Butler Library and Information Systems and Services staff members were already investigating a one-card system last year when Sodexo partnered with Blackboard, a card vendor, for dining dollars. The groups connected and worked through Computing and Technology Services to design a one-card system that could streamline funds through Banner.

When the new card launched October 14, the planning team provided a $3 credit to all existing card users to offset remaining balances on old printing and copying cards, which effectively expired with the launch. Lindstrom said students appreciated the credit.

“We made the switch during a busy midterm week to see if it would really work, and it did,” Chambers said.

Lindstrom credits Sodexo’s expertise for the success of the new one-card system. “Students are the primary users right now, but I think faculty and staff will further appreciate the card’s convenience once it offers more services,” she said. “Eventually, we’ll be able to use the card for just about anything on campus and throughout the neighborhood.”

Two machines are available in the library for card users to check balances and add funds. Applications Support Desk staff members are available in the Information Commons for help with card maintenance. Prints are 2¢ a page, copies 5¢ a page, and color copies 50¢ a page. Currently, most of the larger computer labs across campus offer prints and copies through the card. Replacement cards cost $10.