By Luming Yuan

Originally published on October 9, 2014

Junior Alexandria Brown is standing in the crowded library computer lab during her free block, waiting for a computer station to open up so she can type a homework assignment.

“I’ve been to the library computer lab hoping to get some work done and a lot of the time, all the computers are being used,” Brown said.

This is one situation librarians hope to avoid now that the Lowell Alumni Association, with help from Proposition H library funding, is helping with the renovation of the library computer lab. The upgraded and expanded computer lab is set to open on Oct. 14.

“I’ve been to the library computer lab hoping to get some work done and a lot of the time, all the computers are being used.”

The construction project’s main objectives are to enlarge the computer lab to fit a class of 32 instead of the previous 28 and to improve its overall environment, according to librarian Alison Shepard.

To date, the construction project has cost approximately $120,000, which was provided by the LAA, according to LAA executive director Terence Abad. In addition, the LAA received approximately $20,000 in designated gifts that will go to the purchase of a new set of computers for the lab. Approximately $50,000 are needed for the full set, and the LAA’s board of directors will meet to discuss the possibility of covering this cost.

The LAA is glad to be funding this project, according to Abad. “Primary reasons for us to support this project include the fact that this is one of the most heavily-used resources at Lowell and our understanding of the need to provide students with adequate computer and internet access, particularly in light of the fact that nearly 40 percent of Lowell students come from low-income families and may not have such access at home,” Abad said.

In addition, SFUSD provided approximately $20,000 worth of tables as workstations for the lab. The funding comes from Proposition H, also known as the Public Education Enrichment Fund, which was approved of in March 2004. It provides funding for libraries in SFUSD schools as well as other programs such as sports and music.

“Other than having to move our library office into the Meyer Library and reducing the number of available computers for student use, the construction project has not been a big inconvenience.”

Since the computer lab is not open for student use during construction, the library staff has come up with ways to compensate. There are now 14 computers in the main room of the library (three were replaced after a break-in on Sept. 15) as well as three Chromebooks in the Meyer Library. In addition, Chromebooks are available for students to check out for use at school.

Work on electrical wiring caused some power loss in the main room of the library as well as the Meyer Library on Sept. 2, but overall, construction has been going smoothly, according to Shepard. “Other than having to move our library office into the Meyer Library and reducing the number of available computers for student use, the construction project has not been a big inconvenience,” she said.

Given that construction is going to be completed soon, Shepard expressed enthusiasm about the new computer lab. “We are very excited about the computer lab renovation and expect that students and staff will really appreciate the upgrade when it is completed,” she said.

If everything goes as planned, Brown will not have to wait so long for a computer to use. “They will definitely make things a bit more convenient,” she said.

Correction: This article previously stated the computer lab was set to open on Oct. 14. Due to delays in renovation, the date has been pushed back to late October.