Facilities

Pre-Flood Facilities

Previous to the flood on October 30, 2004, the Program's facilities were located on the ground floor of Hamilton Library. This area provided convenient access to the resources of the program and the University’s main library. The classrooms, laboratories, research and open study areas provided a functional and attractive learning environment for classes, practice sessions, individual study, and group work, as well as seminars, special programs, and social and educational events. Student-to-student and student-to-professor communication was facilitated by contiguous office, administrative and instructional spaces.

Interim Period (2004-2009)

The flood inundated the ground floor of Hamilton Library with eight feet of water and mud. The LIS program facilities and resources were completely destroyed. Losses of resources alone (furniture, computers, etc.) were estimated at half a million dollars. Money was encumbered through FEMA and the state legislature, new floor plans generated, and resources purchased or placed on delayed delivery bids for which funds have been encumbered. The estimated month for completion and reoccupation of the facility is April, 2009. The space has been redesigned, with a focus on student needs, and the information and instructional technology has been upgraded.

For the interim period, the LIS program has used departmental (Information and Computer Sciences) and university facilities and resources. This includes a large classroom (Bilger 319) designated for the exclusive use of the LIS program. It is equipped with appropriate instructional technology, including a front-station computer, projector and multimedia player. Students are supplied, at the back of the classroom and in an adjoining room, with computers and a cataloging laboratory, as well as a "Lending Library" of course textbooks and other materials. LIS classes have also been held in ICS computer labs in the POST (Pacific Ocean Science and Technology) Building and in classrooms assigned by the university. The faculty shares offices in POST. The main LIS administrative office was reconstructed in a suite in POST Building. Oral exams, seminars, and faculty meetings are held in the POST Conference Room.

Future Program Facilities

When the reconstruction is finished in 2009, the LIS Program will move back into its home in Hamilton Library in newly renovated facilities. These facilities will include: 2 classrooms, 1 combined technology classroom/laboratory, 11 faculty offices, 3 administrative offices, an IT lab, a research lab, a conference room, 3 storage rooms, a server room, a copier room, a student organizations room, an eating area, and a large meeting/study area with a cataloging laboratory. In particular, the central commons area has been preserved and improved: the open study area will provide a functional and attractive learning environment for all students. Space and facilities for a wide range of academic, professional and social activities are amply provided.

We look forward to moving into our new facilties and we are grateful to the ICS Department for accommodating us during this time of transition. Thanks to their help, the students, faculty, and staff of the LIS Program are able to continue our tradition of excellence in academics and professional service.