Library media center open for public use
Librarians, from left, Carol Levy, Mary Patterson, Kathy Pienkowski and Kim Phillips have fun testing the audio-recording equipment now available in the new Media Creation Center at Citizens Library in Washington Thursday.
Washington County Library System Coordinator Jessica Miller adjusts the video camera as librarians, from left, Carol Levy, Kim Phillips, Kathy Pienkowski and Mary Patterson learn about the video equipment available in the new Media Creation Center at Citizens Library in Washington Thursday.
Librarians, from left, Carol Levy, Kim Phillips, Kathy Pienkowski and Mary Patterson test the video equipment now available in the new Media Creation Center at Citizens Library in Washington Thursday.
A studio recording system developed at Pennsylvania State University is available for use at Citizens Library in Washington.
The new Media Creation Center contains a One Button Studio video lab, with automatically controlled lighting and recording, and an audio recording center.
“Students can use it for presentations, teachers can use it to record classes,” said Jessica Miller, Washington County Library System coordinator. “Working with 14 member libraries, we had training issues, where everyone can’t always get in. Now, these things can be recorded. It’s a wonderful thing to have.”
The One Button Studio concept, created at Penn State, allows users to insert a flash drive and press a button to start recording. Users can also use a green screen or projector in their projects.
Miller said anyone, from novices to experts, can use the equipment.
“It’s really, really simple,” she said. “I can train people how to use it in about five minutes.”
Podcasts and music can be recorded in the audio studio, which includes microphones, a keyboard and sound mixer that connects to editing software.
The project was funded by an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant of $8,300, which is administered by the state Department of Education. Washington County Library System provided an additional $1,000.
“It’s something that isn’t readily available. It isn’t cheap equipment,” Miller said. “High school students and, really, the public in general, is not going to go out and purchase this equipment. This is a great resource.”
Library Director Diane Ambrose said the media center allows the library system to offer innovative technology to the area.
“Citizens Library is the system headquarters for the library system. None of the libraries would be able to afford any of this equipment alone,” she said. “By applying for and receiving this grant, we’re keeping up with emerging technology for any resident of Washington County.”
The media center is open to the public by appointment, by calling 724-222-2400, ext. 236.