Research Labs & Learning Facilities
Research conducted at the iSchool is highly interdisciplinary and investigates a diverse range of topics at the intersection of people, information, and technology.
There are a wide variety of research equipment and lab spaces available at the iSchool. Some labs are open regular hours and others require a reservation, but all are available for student use.
Research Labs
AI Health Lab
The AI Health Lab is led by Dr. Ying Ding and Dell Medical School Professor Justin Rousseau. Composed of scholars and students from different fields and disciplines, their research includes, but is not limited to: AI in Health, AI in Medicine, and Data-Driven Science.
Artificial Intelligence & Human-Centered Computing Lab
The Artificial Intelligence and Human-Centered Computing (AI&HCC) Lab research spans artificial Intelligence (AI) modeling and human-computer interaction (HCI) design. Led by Dr. Matt Lease, the lab creates novel datasets, builds AI models, and evaluates model performance and end-user impacts. When automated AI falls short, we design human-in-the-loop approaches supported by AI model explanations and creative user interfaces. To promote fair AI, we design better ways to annotate data without bias and modeling techniques to mitigate dataset biases.
Collaborative Institute for Rural Communities & Librarianship (CIRCL)
CIRCL is a think tank by, for, and of the rural library community and aligned partners (including Dr. R. David Lankes). It is a coordinated network developing participatory research, policy recommendations, and culturally-responsive advocacy strategies to amplify rural libraries and promote sustainable rural librarianship.
Critical Data Studies (CDS) Lab
The Critical Data Studies (CDS) Lab explores the sociotechnical dimensions of data technologies in our lives – from scientific research and cultural heritage institutions, to social networking platforms and mobile applications. Led by Dr. Amelia Acker, the CDS Lab focuses on researching how data is collected, named, managed, applied and debated in different contexts.
Human-AI Interaction Lab
The Human-AI Interaction lab, led by Dr. Min Kyung Lee, aims to build just and empowering workplaces and cities by creating technology that supports and strengthens individual and collective human decision-making. We explore psychological understandings of AI and develop human-centered methods and systems for better AI-integrated workplaces, smart communities and cities, and online information.
IX Lab
The Information eXperience Lab (IX Lab) is a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to advancing our understanding of human-computer interaction (HCI), human-information processing, user experience (UX), usability, accessibility, and the interactions between humans and information sources. The lab is dedicated to the science of information studies, the empirically-based design of human-information interaction, and the education of students in the process of both.
Kilgarlin Information Preservation Lab
The Kilgarlin Information Preservation Lab contains a large variety of tools and equipment for examination, analysis, photo documentation, and conservation treatment of books and paper. Led by Professor Sarah Norris, the Kilgarlin Lab includes a thorough sample collection of more than 10,000 photographs and many other materials available for student use.
Research on Equity, Access, and incLusIon in Technology and societY (REALITY) Lab
The Research on Equity, Access, and incLusion in Technology and societY Lab (REALITY Lab) is led by Dr. Earl Huff Jr. and Dr. Angela D. R. Smith. The lab serves as a hub for social justice informatics research by exploring equity and inclusion in the use of information, data, and technology and how it impacts traditionally marginalized communities. The work aligns with the lab's four main research thrusts: Accessibility, Community-Engaged Research, Cultural Computing, and User Experience.
Learning Facilities
Information Commons
The Information Commons provide resources and services that support learning, research, and community-building activities at the iSchool. Commons facilities are located within all iSchool locations and feature collaboration stations, access to a variety of computing hardware/software, meeting spaces, printing services and equipment check-outs. Support staff are available in all iSchool learning spaces to provide technical assistance, training, and additional access to resources.
Sound Rooms
There are two sound rooms located in the IT Lab. The sound rooms are small individual rooms with higher-end equipment where people can record and edit audio, edit movies, create tutorials, or even experiment with the latest voice recognition software.
Computer Lab
The School of Information Computer Classroom is located within the IT Lab area in room 1.210A. The classroom offers Windows and OS X computing environments and digitization equipment as well as our general classroom presentation capabilities.