Ellis Library receives new videoconferencing technology

University of Missouri System President Gary Forsee prepares for a teleconference meeting with AT&T and Cisco to unveil the UM system's new TelePresence center located on the first floor of Ellis Library on Monday. According to Ellis Library, Forsee and his wife, Sherry, provided the lead gift of $1 million to make this system, as well as the three others on UM campuses, possible.   ¦  Lesley Freeman

COLUMBIA — University of Missouri System President Gary Forsee unveiled a new TelePresence center in Ellis Library on Monday.

According to the Division of Information Technology Web site, the TelePresence room uses three 65-inch high-definition televisions for a real-life effect when conversing. It can be used to connect those within UM campuses. There are three cameras positioned in the middle of the televisions that are sound-activated to move when the microphones on the tables pick up any sound.

The Ellis Library staff also explains that the benefits from this new system includes reduced travel time, travel-related expenses and carbon emissions.