Expanded Offerings in Vending Machines

Regarding “A Vending Machine Selling IPods?” June 14:

At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, we’ve offered vending machines for a little over three years now from which students may purchase blank media (tapes, disks, flash cards), batteries, headphones and office supplies. It allows students to acquire items without leaving the building, and during hours when other sources may be closed.

At first, we made fun of my boss when he came up with the idea, but it has become quite popular, and even a landmark. When tour groups of prospective students come by our media centers, they sometimes take pictures with the machine.

Craig Downs

Chicago

Downs is director of circulating resources in the Department of Instructional Resources and Media Services at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.