Sandwiches in Cyberspace - cybercafe at Middle Tennessee State University

Black Issues in Higher Education, Jan 20, 2000

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Students here at Middle Tennessee State University now have a place to get some coffee, grab a sandwich and even check their e-mail if they so choose. It's called a cybercafe.

The cybercafe that opened this fall at Middle Tennessee is one of many that have been popping up across the United States and in Canada. Besides computer stations, most of them provide some kind of coffee bar or food service.

"It's a good place to grab decent coffee and watch the news," says sophomore Chris Chambers, who stops in about three times a week. "Or you can pull up your Instant Messenger account and chat with friends 1,000 miles away."

The cybercafe at Middle Tennessee State was born during discussions between students, faculty, administrators and Aramark, the college's foodservice provider, says Sue Yost, an Aramark location manager. She says students requested a place that would combine fast food, coffee and a convenience store.

Then, Yost said, someone thought, "What about putting in some computers?" The result is an area that includes seven computers, six televisions, 10 sofas, four armchairs and plenty of tables, chairs, counters and stools.

Starbucks sells coffee, Burger King and D.C. Subs offer fast food and Aramark runs a convenience store with soft drinks, snacks and other items. The cybercafe also hosts a variety of events for students, including open-mic nights, a battle of the DJs, live radio broadcasts and a '70s Night.