UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students at University Park now have the convenience of on-the-go wireless charging using the newly upgraded Omnicharge power banks provided by the University Libraries.
First offered as a pilot experiment in summer 2017, Omnicharge is a portable all-in-one device that can power smartphones and other mobile devices, but also laptops, said Chris Holobar, manager of access services systems, University Libraries, who first discovered the service. What’s new and improved in the past five years is fast-charging wireless capability to augment the KwikBoost charging stations currently available in all University Park libraries.
Omnicharge operates via the Omni Power mobile app for iOS or Android, which users download and use to create an account with the company. They must enter a credit card number to access a power bank, but its use remains free as long as the user returns and docks the device into any Omnicharge charging station before the end of the 24-hour lending period.
“Unlike other portable chargers, Omnicharge includes a three-pronged outlet that allows for charging larger devices like laptops,” said Holobar.
After the 2017 pilot, three charging stations were installed at Pattee Library and Paterno Library: two near the Curtin Road entrance, and one at the back of MacKinnons Lounge, adjacent to Starbucks on the first floor of Paterno Library. In addition, one station was located at each of the branch libraries (Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, and Physical and Mathematical Sciences). Using funds from the University Park Undergraduate Association and the Office of Physical Plant, an additional 17 stations were purchased in fall 2019 for future installation in locations across University Park campus. In March 2020, the coronavirus pandemic shut down campus operations for several semesters, during which time the existing equipment became obsolete. When on-site operations resumed, Holobar was able to exchange the outdated power banks for an upgraded version, which included the previously unavailable wireless capability. Testing began last fall to ensure the new version was stable and compatible with the Libraries’ infrastructure.
Since then, three new stations have been installed in Pattee Library and Paterno Library: at the Curtin Road entrance and at the Barbara Hackman Franklin Atrium on the first floor, and at the Collaboration Commons on the ground floor. The branch library stations have been replaced with the upgraded power banks, with the exception of the Engineering Library, which will move to a new location in August.
Future plans include the installation of 10 to 15 more stations in buildings across campus over the next few months. The University Libraries will continue to manage the service and act as primary account holder.