Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Sanford Media Center?

The Sanford Media Center is a multimedia production facility. We have apple computers installed with Apple, Adobe, and Macromedia software, audio-visual hardware, digital cameras, and instruction of all of those devices.

What can be done in The Sanford Media Center?

Available resources in the Center allow students to work in the following areas: graphic design, web design, remote file transfer, page layout, video editing, DVD authoring, audio recording, musical composing, CD authoring, and file format conversion. *

What can't be done in The Sanford Media Center?

Duplication of Copyrighted materials without permission is not permitted in the Sanford Media Center. The Sanford Media Center also does not allow patrons to install software. Patrons should not store their files or work on Sanford Media Center computers. Saving work is the sole responsibility of the patron.

What do I need to bring with me to work in The Sanford Media Center?

Patrons should bring their UA Action Cards when checking out computer stations or cameras. Patrons should bring storage media of some kind (zip disk, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, USB Jump Drives, Flash Cards). Please note we do not support floppy disks. We recommend to students, who are working on long video project or large data files (i.e. High Resolution Photoshop files), to invest in an external firewire hard drive for long term storage. Saving work is the sole responsibility of the patron.

What are the guidelines for reservations?

Patrons will find our "Guidelines for Reservations" under the "Sanford Media Center Policies" Menu.

What camera equipment do you have for checkout?

Currently, we have digital still cameras, mini-DV camcorders, and tripods. A complete list can be found in the "Resources" menu under the sub-menu, "Equipment".

What do I need to do to check out equipment?

At the time of your first checkout, we will review our policies and procedures with you, show you how to use the cameras, and have you sign a patron agreement form.

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.

How can I learn the software you have?

The Sanford Media Center has a collection of tutorial books and software modules that can help patrons learn the software we have. This material is available for use in The Sanford Media Center and cannot be checked out. We can recommend a number of books based on the need. Also, the Sanford Media Center provides links to online tutorials.

In addition, the Sanford Media Center has a growing collection of in-house produced video tutorials that are self-paced.

Patrons are encouraged to set appointments with the Sanford Media Center staff for instruction in the offered software.

Can I bring food and drink in The Sanford Media Center?

Food and Drink is not allowed in the Sanford Media Center.

I'm a faculty member and I want to assign a multimedia project to one of my classes. Can you help me?

Yes. We are glad to help faculty plan for an assigned project on a class syllabus.

I'm a faculty member and I want to create my own multimedia project. Can you help me or do it for me?

No. The Sanford Media Center is for students. Faculty who require help or media services should contact the Faculty Resource Center (FRC).

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 creative works(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. (This Statement appears with the permission of Troy Davis). Check out the University's copyright site for more information.

May I install software on one of the computer stations?

No. Patrons may not install software on the computers. However, we are open to your suggestions for additional software and equipment.

Does the Sanford Media Center offer any kind of instruction?

Yes. Patrons may schedule appointments with the staff to learn the fundamentals of a given piece of software or hardware. We regularly offer informative modules on a range of digital media topics during the semester.

Can I drop off stuff to be digitized?

No. We are not a service bureau. This facility is a place for patrons to do work themselves.

I have additional questions that have not been asked by this list or this site. Where can I get the answers?

We are happy to answer your additional questions. You may submit your question to us with our "Submit a Question" form. You may also call the Sanford Media Center Help Desk at 348-4674.

Last Revised: January 25, 2005

Frequently Asked Questions

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