TechBar opens at Polsky Exchange
The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and IT Services (ITS) have partnered to open the University’s second TechBar, a hands-on, walk-up technology support service. The TechBar is one part of the expanded Polsky Center and IT Services partnership, designed to offer Polsky members the opportunity to engage with IT subject matter experts to learn new skills and to solve their most pressing technology needs.
Located within the Polsky Exchange on 53rd Street in Hyde Park, the TechBar offers Polsky Center members, visitors, and staff in-person, on-call support for general technology issues, equipment lending, and video conferencing.
The University’s original TechBar, which opened in the Joseph Regenstein Library in 2011, continues to provide the University community with IT support for issues such as software installation, data recovery, and virus removal. The Regenstein Library TechBar receives an average of 900 requests for support each academic quarter. The new Polsky TechBar builds on the success of the Regenstein Library TechBar, tailoring support to the needs of Polsky Exchange members.
“The Polsky TechBar makes it easy and seamless for our entrepreneurs to get their work done,” shared Kristin Barrett, senior director of the Polsky Exchange. “From connecting to the University internet to borrowing a charger, it ensures that they can keep moving fast to build their business.”
The opening of the Polsky Exchange TechBar adds to existing engagements between ITS and the Polsky Center. Staff from ITS hold regular mentoring hours at the Polsky Exchange and have taught workshops on topics such as project management for entrepreneurs and how startups can manage, protect, and leverage data.
“Through the TechBar, Polsky Exchange members can access the expertise and support of IT Services staff to help realize their innovative ideas,” said Kathie Koch, executive director for ITS Operations and Service Management.
Since launching in August 2017, the TechBar in the Polsky Exchange has served nearly 250 requests for support from Polsky staff, members, and guests from across campus. The TechBar is available to Polsky members and the University community and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
