Written by: Mekenzie Moffet

One resource on campus that I feel like a lot of students don’t realize they have access to is the Digital Media Lab located in Ellis Library. If you’ve ever needed to edit a video, record a podcast, create a presentation, or even just want a quiet space with good equipment to work on a project with, this is definitely the space worth checking out. If you’re wanting to try this, don’t let the talk of fancy equipment and reserving space stress you out! There’s always help available, whether you stop by the Peer Navigator desk for help reserving the lab space or get assistance from Digital Media Lab staff while using the equipment!

The Digital Media Lab is designed to give students access to different technology and software that we might not have on our personal laptops. They have high-quality computers with programs like Adobe Audition for video editing, audio recording, graphic design and other creative projects. For students in classes that may require you to make presentations or multimedia assignments, this could be a helpful resource so you don’t have to worry about your personal computer struggling to run larger programs. 

Another really useful part of the lab is the equipment. Things like high quality microphones, cameras, lighting equipment and other recording tools are available for students; whether for school or personal projects! So, if you’re recording a presentation, filming an interview, or working on a creative assignment, having access to that kind of equipment all for free can make a big difference in what you produce.

Just like everything at the library, the labs spaces for recording and editing are completely free! You just have to reserve the space and time like a study room. The Peer Navigators recently got a new project to create our own personal podcast, and I’m one of the people recording our monthly episodes, so trust me when I say I understand the struggle of using this equipment for the first time. During one of our weekly meetings, we met with Joey, who works specifically with the Digital Media Lab, and he walked me and my coworkers through how to use all the equipment and answered any questions we had.

My first recording was a few weeks after that training, so honestly, I didn’t remember much. Thankfully, like always, there was a staff member there who helped refresh our memory, and we were able to get started. Recording itself really isn’t too difficult, even coming from me, someone who’s not great with technology. Another huge plus is that the computers you record on can also be used for editing, and they have GarageBand and Adobe programs available for free. I definitely recommend trying something like this out.

It’s completely okay if you don’t know how to use the equipment yet. When you make a reservation it ensures that some of the amazing staff will be on hand to answer all of your questions, walk you through a program for the first time, help you get started with programs and point you towards resources if you’re learning. That support can make trying out new tools feel a lot less intimidating. Staff are always available in the Digital Media Lab, located in Room 153 on the first floor of Ellis, to help with whatever you need.

Overall, the Digital Media Lab is one of those campus resources that can really elevate your project quality and give you the chance to learn new tools. So go check it out because it’s worth stopping by and seeing what’s available. If you’re having trouble locating their website, just click the Digital Media Lab link located at the top, or go to the libraries home page and search in the box at the top right corner!