Media Production Spaces
The Smith College Libraries provide a number of media production spaces, software and equipment. In Neilson Library you’ll find the Digital Media Hub, which is a dynamic, innovative, and interdisciplinary digital scholarship program. It provides exploration and access to a range of video, audio, spatial analysis and emerging technology resources to all users with varying levels of experience and needs, from formal learning projects to informal play.
Production Spaces
Media production spaces are available for use by Smith students, faculty and staff. Need help finding a space? Please consult this Map of Neilson Library or Map of Alumnae Gymnasium.
Location: Neilson Library Digital Media Hub - Level G
Hours: Neilson Library Open Hours
Access: Reserve Neilson 012A or request access or reserve in person at the Central Service Point.
Neilson 012A Self-Service Studio is designed for self-directed audio and video recording, with the intent of enabling anyone - no matter their experience level - to create quality audio and video recordings. 012A is the ideal place to record voiceover for a podcast or video, or create a basic video recording.
Step-by-Step instructions are provided for audio recording with a variety of software.
At this time, for video recordings patrons will need to provide their own camera. Cameras can be reserved or checked out at the Central Service Point, as well as accessories to utilize phone cameras.
Equipment:
- iMac with Media Production software
- Rode NT1A Condenser Mics (2)
- Scarlett 6i6 Audio Interface
- Sony Headphones (2)
- PTZ Camera
- Green Screen and Black curtains
- Pre-set studio lighting
Location: Neilson Library Digital Media Hub - Level G
Hours: Neilson Library Open Hours
Access: Users must be part of an approved course, or have received approval following a consultation with libraries staff. Requests for a consultation can be made via a Digital Support Ticket.
Reservations for approved users can be made in person at the Central Service Point or via a Digital Support Ticket.
Neilson 012B is an advanced production studio designed for higher end video productions and podcast recordings for larger groups of up to four. Video equipment includes 4K cameras, customizable lighting grid, green screen, and high end microphones. Patrons may utilize the space for projects with assistance from professional Media staff, or may request to be trained for independent use. For independent video use we recommend patrons have a basic understanding of the exposure triangle and previous experience with common video camera functions. Patrons may also bring in their own cameras and receive an abridged training.
Step-by-Step instructions are provided for using the podcasting station. Podcast users will need to provide their own laptop. Patrons are welcome to record using software of their choice, however we recommend the free open-source program Audacity which can be downloaded at audacityteam.org
Video Equipment:
- Black Magic Studio 4K cameras (2)
- Sachtler CIII Pedestal Tripods (2)
- ColorSource Lighting Controller and lighting grid
- Green Screen and Black curtain backdrops
- Sennheiser Shotgun Mics
- iPad teleprompter mounts
Podcast Equipment:
- RODECaster Pro Audio Interface
- Rode Podmics (4)
- Sony studio headphones (4)
Location: Alumnae Gymnasium Experimental Studio - Floor 1
Hours: By appointment
Access: Consultation & staffing required, email jheath@smith.edu or ithelp@smith.edu
AG111 is a large, high-end professional studio, featuring multi-camera setup, green screen wall/floor, vision mixer, full lighting grid and teleprompter. AG111 is professionally staffed to assist in producing visually compelling professional content for institutional Smith projects. Departments and faculty with Smith projects are invited to contact Jeff Heath (jheath@smith.edu) for more information.
Equipment:
- JVC HD studio cameras
- Lavalier and shotgun microphones
- Teleprompter
- PreSonus audio mixer
- Broadcast Pix studio vision mixer
- Full Height Green Screen with floor, Grey and Black curtains
- Full studio lighting DMX controlled
Location: Neilson Library Digital Media Hub - Level G
Hours: Neilson Library Open Hours
Access: Available to all Neilson Library Patrons
The Digital Media Hub on Level G of Neilson Library features open computing available to all patrons of the library. This space features 8 iMacs and 8 Windows PCs equipped with the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite of software.
Location: Alumnae Gymnasium 207 - Floor 2 (Main Entrance)
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Access: Available to all members of Smith community with valid OneCard
The Knowledge Lab is a 24/7 computer lab featuring 27 iMac stations, all with the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite of tools, in addition to other media production software. This space is available for all members of the Smith community to access with a valid One Card. In addition, the space offers modular seating and tables, to accommodate various group work.
On occasion, course workshops are held in the Knowledge Lab and signage will be posted on the main door ahead of these workshops. The Knowledge Lab is not a scheduled classroom space, but may be made available for a limited number of workshops for courses. To check availability or request the use of the Knowledge Lab for a course workshop please create a Digital Support Ticket.
Equipment Loans
Smith students, faculty, and staff can check out media production equipment at the Central Service Point in the Neilson Library ground floor Central Hall. A OneCard is needed for checkout. Items available for borrowing include cameras, recorders, microphones, production accessories.
See a comprehensive list of Media Production Equipment available for loan or consult Equipment Loans for more information.
Contact Digital Media Hub
Neilson Library
Ground floor
Please feel free to contact us with any questions, help or support requests Digital Support Site.
FAQs
For more information on where to find streaming videos and other digital media online, visit our media research guide.