[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Lyons edited.jpg” caption=”Andrew Mactavish, assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies and Multimedia, and McMaster President Peter George opened the newly renovated Lyons Instructional Media Centre on Sept. 28. Photo by Susan Bubak.”]The Lyons Instructional Media Centre is now open after a three-phase renovation project that created a new home for the centre's audiovisual collection.

Previously, the audiovisual and slide libraries were located in separate rooms. They are now combined in the media centre located in Togo Salmon Hall, Room 314.

The audiovisual collection includes more than 2,000 videos, DVDs, 16mm films and videodiscs, as well as 100,000 slides, some dating back to the 1930s.

The media centre also has four video and DVD viewing stations. Across from the media centre is a viewing room that features a large flat screen TV. The viewing room can accommodate large and small classes.

The project began in 1996 with a donation from Edward and Margaret Lyons to establish the Edward and Margaret Lyons Communication Centre. In 2003, the centre was expanded.

In 2006, the Refining Directions Fund provided the centre with a $200,000 grant, which was shared with the new Department of Communication Studies and Multimedia.

“This state-of-the-art centre is a testament to McMaster's ongoing efforts through the Refining Directions Fund to provide innovative and stimulating learning environments,” said McMaster President Peter George

The centre is open to faculty, staff and students during regular business hours.