For more information, CLICK once

There is a new kiosk in Houston Hall that doesn't need to be stripped of notices, but it could use some Windex once in a while. It's called CLICK, Computerized Linked Interactive Campus Kiosk, and it has been installed in the Houston Hall basement across from the MAC machine. MarketSource, an advertising firm, is test-marketing the kiosk at the University before expanding its coverage to other schools. The kiosk is about six feet tall sporting two color display screens -- one large screen on top and a smaller interactive touch-screen below. It also features speakers that can be heard as far away as the Houston Hall Post Office. The kiosk, which was installed last week, is designed to offer users information ranging from the University's academic calendar to where The Silence of the Lambs is playing. And the kiosk has been drawing a crowd. Students and visitors alike have been clustering around the machine, but rather than being drawn to the information being distributed, the main attraction seems to be the touch-activated screen. "Check this out," College freshman Hilary Goldsmith said, motioning to a friend. "This is cool." According to Derek White, vice-president of technology and new media marketing for MarketSource, the kiosk is not yet complete. At present the kiosk consists of a small computer hooked up to a laserdisc player. White said that the machine will eventually be equipped with a printer so students can make copies of information. The kiosk offers information on topics like campus news and events, places to eat, and sports scores. In addition, users can watch previews of movies while they review the listings. Prospective students and bored parents can also use the device to find out information ranging from histories of the University's different schools to the hours of The Book Store. The kiosk is not a purely informational machine, however. When not in use the displays run commercials. White said that the main purpose of the kiosk is to display advertising during the machine's downtime. "It's in a high traffic location," White said. "The ads on the top screen are what make the money." MarketSource will be at Houston Hall soon to further research how the machine is used, but the most common reaction among students is that they would show it to their parents, but probably wouldn't use it on a daily basis. "It's kind of neat, but it's not that informative when you get down to it," said Barry Kirzner, a 1985 Wharton graduate. "On the other hand, it's a lot of fun." The movie-like scenes of campus were the most popular feature of the machine. Students scanned the videos looking for someone they knew. "They really make the campus look pretty, don't they?" Wharton junior Mike Gerrity said.

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