Labs and Commons Spaces

Majors refine their skills in leading-edge facilities, including technology labs specifically for iSchool students. Labs are equipped with the most recent versions of software students will use in their professional lives.

Computer Labs

The Information School has two computer labs: The Computer Classroom in Mary Gates Hall (MGH) 430 and the Technology Exploration (TE) Lab in MGH 440. The Computing Resource Center (CRC) computer lab on the First floor of Mary Gates Hall also is available to Information School students.

Computer Classroom


The computer classroom supports hands-on instruction and allows students the opportunity to engage in participatory learning with technology. The computer classroom includes an instructor station and 35 student workstations.

For laptop users, this lab has wireless connectivity and power outlets available at every workstation. Eight stations in the middle of the room also have Ethernet cables ready to connect to student laptops.

The instructor screen can be projected to the front of the room using a ceiling-mounted LCD projector.

The room is also equipped with an audio system that includes a wireless microphone for the instructor, amplifier, ceiling-mounted speakers, and a VCR. When the room is not reserved for Information School classes, it serves as a general use student computer lab.

Technology Exploration Lab


The Technology Exploration Lab (TE Lab) is an innovative facility that is designed from the ground up to allow students to gain experience with technology and collaborate with their peers.

The TE Lab contains three distinct rooms: a 24 seat general purpose computer lab, a server room, and a team lab.

Computer Lab

Each of the 24 machines in the general purpose area are Apple iMac computers with 24" displays configured to dual-boot between Windows 7 (the default) and the Apple OS; these are the same machines as those in the computer classroom.

Student Server Room

The IBM T60 Laptops in the Student Server Room can be reserved for use in setting up an operating system, service, or application of the student's choice. A network patch panel and an assortment of hubs, switches and routers allow students to experiment with a variety of network equipment and topologies. If you need any help setting up a server, please send email to: ihelp@uw.edu

Team Lab

Within the TE Lab, the Team Lab facilitates collaboration and group projects. Three Apple iMacs are set up with sufficient space for small groups to gather around them for discussion. Each station is connected to a 47" wall mounted LCD HD Display. Sign up sheets to reserve the Team Lab for group colaboration are next to the door.

The iSchool Student Lounge - iSalon

Located on the fourth floor of Mary Gates Hall, the iSalon provides a place for students to decompress between classes and gather with their peers. The iSalon is equipped with vending machines, study carrels, couches and reading racks with materials of interest to students studying information science. The room is shared by students from all four of the iSchool's degree programs. Access is restricted to iSchool students, faculty and staff; however, the room is primarily a place for students to gather in a relaxed and informal setting.