The office of Information, Network and Research Services’ primary purpose is the development and maintenance of present and future technological advancements for the University.  We support both the administrative and academic computing activities for USAO as well as the campus digital telephone and fax system. Within the administrative arena, we are responsible for the training of staff in all management offices, purchase and support of hardware and software necessary for the efficient operation of administrative functions, programming, institutional research, data analysis, and systems operations.

Within the area of academic computing, we are responsible for the maintenance and development of student and faculty computing activities (both in offices and laboratories), hardware and software purchase and maintenance, supporting faculty workshops, and student training.  Also, as an academic and administrative function, Information, Network and Research Services has the responsibility for the hardware and software management of the campus-wide computer LAN (local area network), the Nash Library computer systems, and the university's digital telephone and fax system.

In addition, the Information, Network and Research Services staff members provide professional programming, ad hoc informational reports, and institutional research services.  Information, Network and Research Services is very supportive of all administrative staff and academic computing needs by providing hardware and software assistance and training.

The office of Information, Network and Research Services is USAO’s central resource for computing information.  Because of this, one of our major responsibilities is to provide evaluation services for technological advances in every area.  This includes multimedia software development, Internet access and information,  web design and development, telecommunications, and telephone systems.  We assist with the development of automation plans and provides requirement specifications for various projects as well as providing expertise in the areas of hardware and software systems.