Auburn University's Foy Desk: The Last Line for Those Without the Internet

The James E. Foy Information Desk at Auburn University's Melton Student Center has been a continuous lifeline for callers since 1953, offering assistance with a wide array of queries. Established by James E. Foy, the then-dean of students, the desk originally served as a resource for Auburn students but quickly expanded to help the broader public. Today, the desk is equipped with modern tools like three high-end iMacs, but the phone number remains unchanged: (334) 844-4244. During peak hours, the desk receives about ten to fifteen calls per hour, ranging from practical questions to bizarre inquiries. For example, a typical day might include calls asking about the prescription uses of cefuroxime, the average cost of land in Texas, and even whether AirPods Pro 2 are waterproof. Some calls are purely whimsical, like the person who dials just to blow a raspberry before hanging up. The desk operates with minimal training and a straightforward employee manual, emphasizing politeness, avoiding offensive questions, and never answering suspected homework assignments. If a caller makes a threat, students are instructed to dial *57 to trace the call and inform their supervisor. Regular callers form a unique bond with the desk, despite the anonymity of the service. One notable regular is Beulah, who calls frequently with questions about exotic pets and occasional requests for pest control. Her calls can last up to 15 minutes, much longer than the average call. Students, while not explicitly forbidden to ask about callers, generally abstain from prying, maintaining a respectful and non-judgmental approach. The desk serves a dual purpose: providing information and offering a listening ear. For instance, Braxton Stacey, a senior studying industrial and systems engineering, recalled a call from an elderly woman who was grieving the loss of a friend. Though she didn't ask specific questions, the call lasted an hour, and Braxton simply let her talk, offering comfort and a human connection. Cora Baldwin, a senior in software engineering and a student supervisor, shared a particularly memorable call where an older gentleman asked her to look up the birthdays of celebrities. After revealing her own birthday, he deduced that her true passion lay in working with people, not coding—a realization that resonated deeply with Cora, who has always been drawn to helping others, especially those in difficult situations. Despite the modern digital age, where 13 million Americans and 2.6 billion people globally don't use the internet, the Foy Information Desk remains a vital service. Many callers are individuals who lack access to or confidence in using the internet. Whether it’s a lonely caller seeking conversation or someone in need of immediate information, the students at Foy respond with the same level of dedication and respect. Industry insiders and education experts view the Foy Information Desk as a testament to the enduring importance of human connection and basic community services. In a world increasingly dominated by automated systems and digital information, such a service provides a personal touch and a sense of reliability that cannot be replicated online. The desk not only helps users find the information they need but also offers them a friendly voice, making it a valuable resource that bridges the gap between technology and human interaction. Auburn University’s commitment to maintaining this desk underscores the institution’s dedication to community engagement and support. The Foy Information Desk stands as a unique blend of history and modernity, continuing to serve a diverse range of individuals with a simple, yet effective, model of information dissemination and emotional support.