MEDIA NOTICE:  Reporters are invited to experiment with the
multimedia information center outside the University Bookstore on
Thursday, Sept. 7, from 10 to 11 a.m. when members of the editorial
committee will be available to demonstrate features of the kiosk and
answer questions. 

NEW KIOSK OFFERS PUSH-BUTTON-EASE TO SITE-SEEING TIPS, 
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, U.VA. HISTORY AND GROUNDS

	CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Sept. 6 -- Visitors to the University
of Virginia now have answers to frequently asked questions at their
fingertips through a new Interactive Information Center.
	Located in the foyer of the University Bookstore, the center
provides information useful to prospective students and their
parents, Medical Center patients and their families and the 125,000
tourists who visit U.Va. yearly. 
	 By pushing buttons on the centerÕs computer screen,
visitors can activate short videos that offer a biography of Thomas
Jefferson and describe the history and traditions of the
University.  Videos also describe education and research at the
Health Sciences Center and provide information on a range of tourist
services, including walking tours and lodging and dining facilities
in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
	Housed in a handicapped-accessible kiosk designed by the
UniversityÕs Office of the Architect, the center provides
information seven days a week--often during hours when
administrative offices are closed.  It is available to the public
from 8:30 a.m to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. on weekends.
	ÒThe system is unique because it not only provides users
with information about the University through text, sound and
visuals, but it also allows them to look in an intuitive way,Ó said
Nancy A. Tramontin, director of publications and co-chair of the
kiosk editorial committee.
	Visitors can touch an interactive map that instantly creates
enlarged views of the Health Sciences Center and North, West and
Central Grounds areas.  The map also provides information on visitor
parking, lighted pathways, emergency phones and bus routes. 
	 Kiosk users can also gain on-line information about
University-related performances, exhibits, films, plays, speakers,
conferences, seminars and athletic events.  The kiosk provides daily
and weekly events listings plus separate calendars for academic,
athletic and arts events.
	ÒThe easy-to-use touch screen provides an efficient way to
convey a wide variety of information about the University,Ó said
Josie Pipkin, director of promotions in the music department and
editorial committee co-chair.
	Later versions of the Interactive Information Center will
allow users to complete numerous academic and administrative tasks.
Functioning much like an automatic teller machine, the kiosk will
allow users to access information by entering a security code.  For
example, students may be able to update listings in the University
directory, access course information, file degree applications,
determine financial aid status and add or drop courses.  
	Users may also be able to reserve rooms for University
functions and order tickets for arts and athletic events.
	Additional kiosks may be placed in other University sites,
including the University Hospital and the Information Center on
Route 250.  Other units may be placed at the
Charlottesville/Albemarle Airport and the Visitors Center near
Monticello.
	Information about the kiosk has been posted on the
UniversityÕs computer system and on U.Va.Õs home page, located on
the Internet at  http://www.virginia.edu/news/.
###
September 5, 1995
	FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, contact Nancy Tramontin at (804)
924-4524 or Josie Pipkin at (804) 924-6492.