Computer labs are facilities in which computing resources are available to students, faculty, and/or staff outside of class. "Discipline-specific" computer labs are typically owned, operated, and maintained by an academic department or college, may restrict access to selected groups (majors, minors, faculty, etc.), and may be used for classroom instruction. "Open" computer labs are available to any Missouri State student, faculty, or staff member, are operated by Computer Services and the Library, and are not used for classroom instruction.
The design of a computer lab must involve the owner of the lab. All design decisions should support the primary function of serving student computing needs.
Funding of the equipment to be housed in a computer lab can come from a variety of sources and, thus, may or may not be included in the building construction budget. Coordinate funding discussions with the Chief Information Officer during the design phase.
A. Funding
Funding of the equipment to be housed within computer labs may or may not be part of the construction budget. This determination needs to be made at the start of any project. Lifecycle funding must be considered and resolved regardless of the initial funding source. Given the rapid obsolescence of computing and networking technologies, it is imperative that funding responsibilities and funding streams be identified prior to project implementation.
B. Electrical Power and Data Networks
Ample power and data network ports must be provided in the proper locations. Locations should not be based on the furniture plans supplied by the architect unless the actual furniture to be purchased matches the plans. The University unit responsible for specifying and/or ordering the classroom furniture should be consulted to determine actual furniture layout. All electrical power/data locations should be based on the actual furniture to be purchased and installed. Consideration must be given to how power and network cables will be run within the furniture. Design should provide one data port and one duplex electrical outlet (two plugs) for every networked device in the classroom.
C. Computers
All lab equipment specifications are to be coordinated through the Office of Information Technology for review and approval. This process will ensure that lab equipment adheres to all applicable University guidelines and standards. Since funding of this equipment comes from various sources, other units may need to be involved in this process depending on the budget.
The location of CPU's must be considered. If these are set on the table, they tend to consume desktop space and block the students' view. If set on the floor, they can be easily kicked/damaged or may prevent the chair from rolling up to the table. The use of under-table racks is strongly recommended since they may reduce damage to the CPU and will provide additional desktop space to the student.
Each open computer lab should provide at least one station that will accommodate a disabled student. This includes providing the following items:
- Adjustable table
- 21" computer monitor
- Internal voice synthesizer card
- Ergonomic keyboard
The actual configuration of the workstation and location within the lab is to be determined by the Assistive Technology Support Specialist in conjunction with Disability Support Services.
D. Furniture
Tables hosting computers should have keyboard trays. A minimum of 3 feet of horizontal table space is strongly recommended per computer station. (Thus, use 6-foot tables rather than 5-foot tables when putting two computers side-by-side.) The 3-foot minimum will provide students with adequate tabletop space for other materials and will allow use of the keyboard trays without the mouse pads interfering with each other. Use the types of keyboard trays that will raise and lower so wheelchairs can get under the trays.
Based on the recommendation from Disability Support Services, an adjustable table may be required for the assistive technology workstations.
E. Room Design/Layout
Within discipline-specific computer labs (where instruction sometimes occurs), the assistive technology workstation should be located in the center of the front row (if sufficient space is available for wheelchair access). Visually impaired students typically prefer a location in the front row so that they can more easily see the instructor and other activities at the front of the class. Give consideration to room lighting - screen glare should be reduced as much as possible.
F. Security System
A security system is required for all computer labs. If the lab will be staffed at all open times, then only door sensors and motion detectors are required. If the room will not be staffed at all open times, then the equipment should be laced with a fiber optic cable that is always armed. For more information, see the chapter entitled "Security Systems" within this document.
Please note that the layout of the room does impact the security system costs if a fiber lacing system is to be used. In general, longer rows of workstations are less expensive to lace than short rows. The cost differential can be significant and, thus, must be considered.
G. Other items for consideration:
- A 6' x 3' cork bulletin board should be included in each lab as well as a 10' marker board.
- Printers should be located near the lab monitor (if there is a location for the lab monitor).
- For an open lab, the need for an office for the lab User Support Specialist and, the location of that office, should be determined by the lab owner. A window should be provided in the office to aid in monitoring of the lab. The office should be capable of being locked.
- A location should be provided for the display of printed materials.
- For an open lab, a location may be required for computer account distribution.
- Indirect lighting should be used to eliminate, or at least reduce, glare.
- Raised flooring is preferred for computer labs but is expensive. Carpeting provides a quieter environment but does not wear well in high-use areas.