Over the past month, University Library Services, in conjunction with Information Technology Services (ITS), has been conducting a soft launch of a new media center on the second floor. The new media lab is a beneficial addition to the technological resources offered by library services and could serve as a boon to students who take advantage of it.
The digital studio is located in the area that used to house the library’s collection of DVDs, CDs, and VHS tapes. In that location, the collection did not see much foot traffic, and for those still seeking the former media materials, they have been moved up to the third floor of the building. When the Campus Technology Resource Center (CTRC) closed during the summer, some of the resources were set aside for this new center, including several Apple iMac computers, as well as keyboards and audio hardware, available to students 24 hours per day during the library’s weekday operations. There are also additional black-and-white printers, a 3D printer that students can use with staff assistance, and conference room spaces available for student use.
One unique feature of the computers in the media lab is the software installed on them. It includes the full Adobe Creative Suite, along with music making and other artistic software. As these products are very expensive and often outside of a student’s budget, having this space is important for helping those in creative fields develop the skills relevant to more design-centric fields of employment.
The University has also done a commendable job of providing information about the center. There is a digital studio section in the online library guide that fully details the resources available to students in the media center. Often criticized for having an out-of-date online presence, the University has created a useful presentation of information that will likely help students better utilize the center.
The new media center is a useful addition to the school’s technology resources, and it goes a long way to compensate for those lost when the CTRC closed. Students can find it on the second floor of O’Neill (205) and should make use of it.
Featured Image by Michelle Castro / Heights Staff
