Computer Lab Redesign at TUFL!

Beginning in May, Professor Martin Wolske from the Graduate school of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) and the staff of The Urbana Free Library began the process of redesigning the Flex-n-Gate computer lab space on the second floor. The project has many purposes: Wolske would get valuable information for research, patrons of the library would get to help design the space they use, and the rest of the library world would get an example of how to collaborate with their communities to design a better functioning tech space.
The process began with the library asking you what you thought about the lab space. We needed to know how you use the lab, what you needed to support these activities, and what was impeding you.Thanks to you we received a ton of info! We then took that data and re-prioritized the functions of the lab to better fit how the lab is used today, and importantly, leave enough flexibility in the design to be able to quickly adapt to new uses in the future.

 

After considering many possibilities we settled on a new design, began painting the space (we think it's much more comfortable with the new colors!), and began to build the new furniture:

We've only just begun, and it will take a few more weeks before everything is up and running, so please forgive us for any temporary inconvenience we may have to impose on the lab. Stay tuned for frequent updates on this project and more exciting projects and programs, including a mini fablab, Makers workshops for teens, expanded computer classes and more. Coming soon: photos of finished tables!