UH Library Science and IT students seek nonprofit projects

Luz Quiroga, assistant professor for Information and Computer Sciences and Library and Information Science at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, is looking for nonprofits as mentors for “real life” course projects in her classes. Each spring, she teaches two courses where students work in projects for the community:

• Graduate students in Library Information Science help in create systems to support digital collections, libraries, archives, museums, etc.
• Undergraduate students in Information & Computer Sciences design and build prototype databases.

In the past, her students have worked for organizations such as UH departments, Hawaii libraries and information centers, nonprofits, local writers, faculty and organizers of small conferences. “The emphasis in both classes is system analysis and conceptual design although students also build working prototypes,” Quiroga said. “In both classes they work in groups with a mentor / client from nonprofits, libraries and university departments, etc.”

The students produce a variety of results ranging from recommendations for data management and working prototypes to proposals that could be the basis for grant proposals, implementations of refined production systems or more specific research or studies.

“It is expected that the mentor be available around one hour per week to allow students to gather (information on) specifications and needs,” Quiroga said. “They will be discussing with the mentor the possible solutions. I supervise the progress and have meetings with the groups and sometimes with the clients.”

If your nonprofit has a project that students could undertake or for more information about how her students can work with your organization, contact Quiroga at lquiroga@hawaii.edu or (808) 956-9988, or send her a brief paragraph describing your idea or need. Click here for more information about class projects.