Studio User Guidelines

Note: Use of Studio Resources is governed by the University of Tennessee's Information Technology Policy.

Documents

Copyright, Fair Use, and The Studio (pdf)
Studio User Guide (pdf)

What is The Studio?
The Studio is not just a digital media lab; it is a community. We provide media equipment, computers, software, and consultation services for the creation of media-enhanced instructional products. We also provide computer access to electronic text resources and digital image collections of the library. Services are available to students, faculty, and staff of the University of Tennessee. Our goal is to provide media computing resources, a trained staff to provide assistance, and information about campus-wide training opportunities. As a part of the University of Tennessee Libraries, The Studio continues a rich tradition of innovation and operates in a creative environment of instructional and service excellence.
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Your Media Workshop
The Studio is much like a workshop with the tools, supplies, and expertise you need to get the job done. Think of a computer as a digital toolbox and the applications as the tools. Each tool has a different purpose, but together they can help you organize, build, and complete your project. You wouldn't use a screwdriver to hammer a nail. Likewise, many applications may be useable for certain tasks. However, understanding the limitations of one tool and the strengths of another will help you to create efficiently a more polished and professional product.
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What can be done in The Studio?
Typical activities include digital video editing, graphic design, web design, and DVD authoring. There is also a substantial collection of tutorial and reference materials. The Studio is not designed to be a location for conversion of personal collections such as converting an LP collection to CD. OIT labs are available for checking email, surfing the Internet, uploading content to Blackboard, general word processing, and basic scanning. All activities in The Studio are governed by University acceptable use policies.
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What do I need to bring with me to work in The Studio?

• A valid UT ID
• If you are saving your work, bring media (flash drives, external hard drives, blank CDs/DVDs, MiniDV tapes)
• Plan for your project by learning unfamiliar software programs ahead of time

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Production Stations
The production area of The Studio provides space and equipment for digitizing and working with media materials. It has powerful Mac workstations. These workstations are connected to a variety of input equipment for analog to digital and digital to analog conversion.
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Editing Stations
The editing area, which has much of the same software as the production computers, is available primarily for work on materials that are already in digital format. These workstations do not have the full array of digitizing equipment.
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Should I make a reservation?
YES! Studio workstations and checkout equipment are in high demand, so users are encouraged to reserve time and equipment. Priority is given to users who make advance reservations. To make a reservation, visit our reservation page and complete a reservation form. We will contact you within 2 business days with information regarding your request. You may also make a reservation via telephone or in person. Generally, workstation reservations are for a 3-hour session; 5-hour sessions are available for video editing. Groups may reserve one of the two group-rooms for up to 8 hours. Users should be on time for reservations; they will be held for 15 minutes, after which the workstation or equipment may be reassigned.
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What equipment may I check out?
The Studio circulates digital video cameras, digital still cameras, digital audio recorders, lighting kits, green screens, soft boxes, microphones, tripods, a Kaidan VR tripod, and dedicated hard drive storage space for long-term projects. You will need to attend a course to use the equipment. In addition, users must sign a contract agreeing to be responsible for any damaged or lost equipment. More info about our gear.
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Where may I save my work?
Files saved on Studio computers will be deleted at the end of the day. All workstations have DVD / CD burners. USB drives and external hard drives may be used as well. You must provide your own media to use these. Additionally, storage space on the Studio server may be checked out for up to 3 weeks. Ask a consultant for more information.
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Consultation & Instruction
The Studio is staffed by full-time consultants who have experience working with media tools. Studio consultants are also available for one-on-one consultation for UT faculty, students, and staff. The Studio Reference Collection contains media-based tutorials, manuals, and books for beginners and advanced users of software.
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Studio FAQ

1. What is The Studio?
2. What can be done in The Studio?
3. What can't be done in The Studio?
4. How can I support The Studio?
5. What do I need to bring with me to work in The Studio?
6. What is the policy for reservations and using workstations?
7. What equipment do you have for checkout?
8. What do I need to do to check out equipment?
9. Can I print color in The Studio?
10. How can I save my work?
11. How can I learn the software you have?
12. Can I bring food and drink in The Studio?
13. Can you recommend products?
14. Do you offer tech support for campus?
15. I'm a faculty member and I want to assign a media project. Can you help me?
16. I need content for my project. Where can I get it?
17. What about copyright?
18. Can I install software on a workstation?
19. I'm not sure where to start my project, can you help me?
20. Do you guys offer any kind of instruction?
21. Can I convert film to video in The Studio?
22. Can I dub tapes in The Studio?
23. Can I drop off stuff to be digitized?
24. Can I get a job in The Studio?
25. I need to get my picture on Blackboard. Can you take my picture?
26. How many cameras can I check out at one time?

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1. What is The Studio?
The Studio is a media production lab. We have computers, equipment, and staff to facilitate the creation of media works. It is available to UT students, faculty and staff.
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2. What can be done in The Studio?
In the Studio you are able to create media class projects. This includes graphic design, digital video, and DVD authoring. We have all the industry standard software and production platforms (dutifully weighted toward the Macintosh platform). Any and all uses of Studio resources are governed by The University of Tennessee's Information Technology Policy.
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3. What can't be done in The Studio?
The Studio is designed to support and improve teaching and learning at UT. Installing software on Studio workstations is prohibited.
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4. How can I support The Studio?
Besides using and promoting Studio services, The Studio, like all Library initiatives can be supported by contacting the Director of Library Development, Amy Yancey.
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5. What do I need to bring with me to work in The Studio?
You must have a valid UT ID to work in The Studio. Besides a little creativity, you should be aware that all files saved on Studio computers will be deleted. So, it's a good idea to bring your own storage media (i.e., CDs, DVDs, flash drives, hard drives).
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6. What is the policy for reservations and using workstations?
All workstations can be reserved during the current semester for up to 3 hours. If you are working on a video project, you can reserve a workstation for up to 5 hours. We have two group rooms that can be reserved for up to 8 hours. Your reservation will be held for up to 15 minutes, after that we will cancel your reservation. Click here for more information.
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7. What equipment do you have for checkout?
We currently have Digital Video cameras, Digital Still Cameras, Digital Audio Recorders, Digital SLRs, Light Kits, Tripods, Microphones, and a Kaidan VR tripod head. You can check out this equipment for up to 3 days. Click here for more information.
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8. What do I need to do to check out equipment?
Before checking out equipment, you must be certified and sign a loan agreement. Camera certification is available online and others are done in person. Sign up for equipment certification here.
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9. Can I print color in The Studio?
Yes. We currently have a Xerox Phaser 7700 color laser jet printer. It will print on letter (8.5x11 in) or tabloid (11x17 in) paper. Both our color and black and white printers run on the VolPrint system. There is a charge of $0.50 for letter and $1 for tabloid prints in color. Our black and white printer is HP LaserJet 4300 series printer. Black and white printing is only available in letter (8.5x11 in) size. Read more about our color printing policies here.
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10. How can I save my work?
You can bring your own storage media. If you are working on video for an extended period of time, we would recommend you invest in an external hard drive. That way you can keep your project files together without having to export a timeline to tape or some other storage media. We do offer some limited storage on our server that we check out for 3-week periods. Request studio storage here.
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11. How can I learn the software you have?
Some late nights and a lot of coffee helps. The Studio has a great collection of tutorial books and software modules that can help you learn the software we have. This material is available for use in The Studio and cannot be checked out. Additionally, you can check the library catalog. Faculty members should check out ITC offerings. For online learning, check out OIT's Technology Training. Our instruction and resources pages are also a good place to start.
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12. Can I bring food and drink in The Studio?
Covered drinks are allowed.
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13. Can you recommend products?
Not really. Our primary duty is to connect you with the right tools we have in The Studio. As far as personal purchases, there are many sites on the web that review products. Some great periodicals to start with would be MACADDICT, MAC DESIGN, and MACWORLD.
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14. Do you offer tech support for campus?
Sorry, we don't. We will do our best however to direct your query to the right person/unit on campus.
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15. I'm a faculty member and I want to assign a media project. Can you help me?
Yes, we can. Learning about an assigned project helps our staff efficiently help your students. As a faculty member, there are great resources available to you through the Innovative Technology Center. You can contact us if you'd like to set up a consultation.
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16. I need content for my project. Where can I get it?
The world is full of content. The library subscribes to several media databases that have provisions for educational fair use. You can review these databases here. Please note that certain copyright restrictions apply. The Studio also has a collection of royalty-free sound effects and stock video footage.
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17. What about copyright?
U.S. Copyright Law is an assemblage of statutes designed to protect the rights of creators and users. It has its origins in the constitutional principle to promote the arts and sciences. Fair use is a principle that limits the exclusive rights of ownership so that you, as a learner, can use other people's stuff (with certain statutory limitations) without having to ask their permission. We are not lawyers, but we do our best to alert users to certain safe-harbor guidelines that have been developed by the academic community. These guidelines are not statutory, and ultimately, as a citizen in a democracy, you are responsible for making a good-faith effort at determining acceptable uses of works and their copyright. Check out the library's copyright page for more information.
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18. Can I install software on a workstation?
No. We have made every effort to configure our workstations based on the needs of our community. If you'd like to suggest a particular software title, please let us know.
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19. I'm not sure where to start my project, can you help me?
Yes, we can. Our consultants are available by appointment to help you make the best uses of Studio resources. Although learning the software just takes time, a large portion of your project workflow will be organization, not technological.
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20. Do you guys offer any kind of instruction?
Yes, we do. Please see our instructional pages for current offerings.
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21. Can I convert film to video in The Studio?
No, we currently don't have the gear to do that. However, we can refer you to local businesses who do.
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22. Can I dub tapes in The Studio?
If you created a tape in The Studio we can help you make copies. However, we are not setup to do wholesale duplication of materials.
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23. Can I drop off stuff to be digitized?
No. We are not a digitizing service. We will help you digitize material. If you are a faculty member and need things digitized for a class, you can visit Renee Smith of DMS, who will be glad to assist you.
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24. Can I get a job in The Studio?
If you are interested in working in The Studio as a Student Library Assistant, a Work Study Student or a Graduate Assistant, you can contact Jennifer Randles.
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25. I need to get my picture on Blackboard. Can you take my picture?
No we are not a photography studio. However, we can assist you in scanning a photo. You are welcome to check out a digital camera as well.
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26. How many cameras can I check out at one time?
An individual may only checkout one of each type of equipment simultaneously.
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Studio Close-Up

Want to learn more about The Studio? What can be reserved? How do I check out equipment?

Stop by The Studio for a close-up. Learn about this term's instructional offerings, our gear, our polices, get a tour, ask questions. Come by for a close-up, your first step to working smarter, not harder, in The Studio.
No reservations necessary; just stop by!

Faculty, want to schedule a tour or a specialized instruction session for your students? Studio staff are happy to schedule time to meet with your class. Just contact us to make your request!

Studio Staff and Student Assistants

Studio Staff

Michelle Brannen, Manager and Daytime Supervisor
brannen@utk.edu

Jennifer Randles, Media Specialist II and Evening Supervisor
jrandles@utk.edu

Kelly Porter, Graduate Assistant
kporterr@utk.edu

Studio Student Library Assistants

Students who work in The Studio are have experience and knowledge of media production software. They come from a variety of departments and bring skills to assist patrons with a variety of projects. If you are interested in working in the studio, please contact Jennifer Randles.

2013 Spring Student Library Assistants:
Jordan Achs
Zach Aldredge
Erica Brown
Makayla Claussen
Brandon Crawford
Zane Espinosa
Alyssa Gauci
JaDarous Gillispie
Jared Langel
Shelly O'Barr
Michael Rasnake
Darneisha Riley
Ian Sudderth
Laquesha Wilson

Additional Library Staff

Several library staff spend some time working in The Studio. We appreciate their efforts and the services they help us to provide.

Cathy Jenkins, IT Technologist II
cjenkin8@utk.edu

Steve Milewski, Research Assistant Professor, Media Librarian
smilewsk@utk.edu

Teresa Walker, Head Integrated User Services
tbraden@utk.edu

Greg Womac, Professional Library Assistant
gwomac@utk.edu