Media Instructional Services Policy

Kevin Salemme, Director of Media Instructional Services, x4205
kevin.salemme@merrimack.edu

Mission: The primary mission of Media Instructional Services is to support and assist the learning process at Merrimack College by providing the highest quality technology and instruction.

Media Instructional Services provides a creative learning environment and instructional support through which faculty and students can become independent developers and/or users of new media to support teaching, scholarship and community.

Media Instructional Services provides expert technical support, mentoring and collaboration opportunities as well as access to technology and media resources for production and presentation.

Services: The Media Center provides a variety of audiovisual services:

  • Standard projection equipment
  • Audio and videocassette duplication
  • Slide production
  • Photographic services
  • Digital imaging and videotape editing with studio production capabilities
  • Video collection

Instruction: Offerings include training and tutoring on digital editing and the technical processes used in photography, digital photography, visual presentations, studio production and television station operation. These instructional services are available to individual students as well as faculty.

Broadcast Center: Located in the Media Center, the Merrimack College cable television station (MCTV10) features an electronic bulletin board, student-made productions, and classroom related films. This is a closed circuit on-campus-only cable television station. As part of the campus-wide cable system, students receive free HBO on channel 3.

Video

Videotape Library

The video collection housed in the Media Center contains over 1,300 titles on VHS videocassette. Students, faculty, staff and NOBLE card holders with proper ID may borrow videos, which circulate for seven days. Reference videos may not circulate except to faculty for the purpose of exhibiting the film in class.

Videotapes on Reserve

Faculty may leave videos on reserve for individual or small group viewing in the Media Center. Class reserve videos may be viewed on MCTV10 by reserving a broadcast time. Students who miss these broadcasts may call the Media Center to make an appointment for a re-broadcast.

Video Production

Video cameras are available for student use on class-related presentation projects only. Video cameras are restricted-use items: students in classes requiring video production have first right of access; any other access must be approved by the Director of Media Instructional Services contingent upon the student’s basic knowledge of video camera operation. If necessary, training will be provided. Late return of video equipment will result in immediate suspension of borrowing privileges.

Video Studio Production

A video production studio is available for use to record video programs. Instruction/assistance in studio production will be provided by appointment. The basic studio set is appropriate for talk/news show production; additional props must be provided by producers. Other uses may include "unplugged" music presentations and lecture style documentary/informational programs, which may then be broadcast on MCTV10.

Video Post-Production

The Media Services Department has 9 non-linear digital editing systems, which may be used for all video post-production from clipping scenes together for class presentations to special effects and titling. Tutoring is provided. Hard drive space will be assigned for projects on a first-come, first-served basis. It is expected that student projects will be completed within a two-week period as to free up hard drive space for others to use. All productions are on VHS or DVD.

Duplication of Media is provided with strict adherence to Federal Copyright Laws

Audio and Video

Videocassette/DVD Duplication

Patrons should provide a blank tape/DVDR, or faculty may have their departments charged for the raw materials. This service may take one to three days; tapes are copied on a first-come, first-served basis.

Audiocassette/CD Duplication

Audiocassettes may be duplicated in mono on a high-speed copier. Patrons should provide a blank tape/CDR. Audiocassette: the blank should be the same length as the original, and may be duplicated while-you-wait, since it takes only a few minutes. Faculty may leave course related cassette originals in the media services department for duplication by students. While-you-wait service is provided during opening hours, or orders may be picked up the next business day.

Photographic

Photography Production

All types of photographic production are available, from studio portraiture to industrial. Students, faculty and staff may use this service to obtain a resume portrait or any image necessary for class presentation or publication. Instruction in photographic techniques is also available to students and faculty by appointment.

Digital Photography

Digital photographs and/or scans of photographs may be made from any flat or three-dimensional original. These scans/photographs may be presentation or publication quality resolution in any format, and will be delivered by e-mail, Zip disc or CD provided by the patron. In addition, instruction is available for using Power Point and/or Photoshop software.

Slide Production

Slides may be made from magazines, books or any original flat work. Students must provide tungsten light balanced slide film, such as Kodak Ektachrome Tungsten 160. Students will then have the film processed to develop the slides. Faculty may have their departments charged for the materials and processing. This service requires one-week minimum notice.

Television Station

MCTV10 Message Center

Messages and photographs scroll on the college cable TV station twenty-four hours a day. Specific message requests are honored with one-day notice. All groups and organizations on campus are invited to submit their requests in writing to the Media Services Department.

Broadcasting

Class related films and student productions may be broadcast on channel 10 at any time. Requests must be made at least 24 hours before the required broadcast time, Monday through Friday.

The Following Equipment May Be Borrowed From the Media Center

Overhead Projector: May circulate for one class period, over-night, or weekend (some are available for semester-long room assignment).

Slide Projector: May circulate for one class period, over-night, or weekend.

Cassette Recorder/Player: May circulate for one class period, over-night, or weekend.

Video Camera: May circulate for a period of 24 hours, restrictions apply (see "video production").

Student accounts will be billed for the non-return of slide projectors or video cameras.

Video Viewing Facilities on Campus for Students and Faculty

Television and VCRs: Each classroom building has TV/VCRs assigned to departments listed below; reservations may be made directly with individual department. The Media Center will not deliver televisions to classroom buildings.

Cushing Hall: Religious Studies, Fine Arts, Political Science, Communication Studies.

Sullivan Hall: Philosophy, English, Sociology.

Mendel Hall: Chemistry, Biology.

O’Reilly Hall: DCE.

Deegan West: Classroom and Fireplace Lounge.

 

Venues to show video to large groups (more than 30):

Library Auditorium, Stevens Theater (Cushing Hall), Rogers Center for the Arts.