John Heintz, associate director for digital initiatives, spoke to the Undergraduate Student Government at its meeting Sunday night about the mobile website for St. Thomas libraries.

The site, which was created by web developer Ben Durrant, launched in February, but Heintz wants to increase awareness on campus about technology advancements the library is making.

“Since more people have smartphones, we thought we should have a presence there too,” Heintz said.

Heintz said the mobile site includes O’Shaughnessy-Frey and Keffer Library contacts and hours. He also said the site shows how many computers are in use and available through a “Find Open Computers” tab, and it also helps students find books and research materials.

For students trying to find a book, the site displays floor map diagrams, Heintz said. He also said the library is starting to use a bar code system that allows students to scan a code with their phone to get assistance.

“We’re hoping to do more with them in the next couple years, but for now it is a way to connect people via phone or text in order to get help finding a book or source,” Heintz said.

He said the library had 518 mobile device visitors last month.

Money management series

USG will host its first session of the money management series Wednesday, April 6. The session will begin with stories from St. Thomas alumni about how to increase wealth after college, which will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Club allocations

USG approved a budget for the Green Team of $2,895 for an Earth Day celebration with other clubs, including a concert.

Sleeping for a Solution was allocated $1,200 for food, programming and games. The event will take place in late April to raise funds for a local homeless shelter. Sleeping for a Solution encourages students to experience a glimpse of what it is like to be homeless.

Ashley Stewart can be reached at stew1177@stthomas.edu.