New applications should be compatible with the hardware available. Good technical support should be available at the point of need to deal with any of the hardware or software being used. One of the main problems expressed by Apple Mac users was that quite often services were only available to PC users and that there was a general lack of support for Apple Mac related services. So if you've got a Mac then you're on your own and that's it. The young fellow next door can help me, or I can help him, we're on our own.
Many academic staff are still reluctant to use electronic information sources.
One of the main reasons for this is that they are unaware of what is available to them and what the services are capable of doing. Good communication between Information Services, Computing Services, academic staff and students is essential and both formal and informal links need to be established. Working together ensures that the electronic information sources are appropriate, linked to the curriculum, integrated with the teaching and learning methods and available when required. Information services staff must be aware of the course requirements so they can alert the academic staff to the electronic information sources which will be of benefit to them. Skills Support and guidance should be available as services are introduced.