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Throwback Thursday: Criss Library

Library groundbreaking, 1974

Library groundbreaking, 1974

We'll share a vintage University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) photo each Thursday on our homepage as part of the popular "Throwback Thursday."
Check back each week for a photo celebrating UNO's history, and to learn more about what's happening on campus and in our community, and future plans for the university.
Visit the UNO Criss Library Flickr photostream for even more photos.

On July 31, 1974, UNO celebrated the groundbreaking of the Dr. C.C. & Mabel Criss Library.

UNO officials were joined by state senators John Savage, Glenn Goodrich and David Stahmer, and librarians in turning the first shovels of earth. Pictured in the photo above are Chancellor Ronald Roskens, Regent Chairman Kermit Hansen, and Vice Chancellor Herbert Garfinkel.

Learn more about the history of the library on the Criss Library website.

2014 Remodel

A 2014 remodel of Criss Library created three new spaces for patrons to enjoy:

  • The Archives & Special Collections have an updated space on first floor
  • The second floor is home to a new iClassroom
  • The second floor is also be home to the expanded Creative Production Lab

library interior

About the iClassroom

New to the library as part of the renovation is an iClassroom, which features up to 40 MacBook Pros to be used by students during their classes as well as adjustable theater seating for making use of a 120-inch theater screen to show class projects, documentaries or live news events – just to name a few possible uses.

About the Creative Production Lab

The UNO Creative Production Lab is a one-stop shop for students and community members to bring their imagination to life. The lab features everything from a 3D printer and 3D laser cutter to top-of-the-line video and audio editing software, as well as a poster-size scanner and printer; graphic design software; and equipment including HD camcorders and wireless microphones.

Here's a look at one of the 3D printers:

Press:

Video

"Inside the Creative Production Lab at UNO" (KETV)

Article

"UNO production lab features high-tech gear" (Omaha World-Herald)