University of New Orleans (Earl K. Long Library)

The University of New Orleans learned from the 2005 levee failures the importance of creating a resilient campus. As part of its disaster preparedness plan, every college, department, and service unit on campus has developed business continuity plans to guide them. Unfortunately, the pandemic has exposed the gap between the University's workforce and students' transition to an online environment. When not on campus, students struggle with access to computers, printers, and strong broadband internet. The library will respond to the immediate technology needs revealed by the campus shutdown and develop solutions that will overcome the digital divide. The library will also focus on creating a sustainable partnership with the local internet provider for off-campus internet access.