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For printable image click here. Jacyann Florio (left), a freshmen mathematics and economics major, and her friend Karla Smith, a math education freshman, are enthusiastic about the capabilities of the new Student Multimedia Design Center. UD photo by Duane Perry

The University of Delaware's new state-of-the-art Student Multimedia Design Center, located on the lower level of Morris Library, opened Feb. 27. The new center will help to meet the needs of students whose classes may involve the creation of multimedia presentations as a course requirement. The multimedia facilities at the center also will serve to enhance student presentation skills.

Special features incorporated in the facility include six studios, some large enough to accommodate six persons, and all equipped with high-end technology to allow video recording and editing, as well as the rehearsing and recording of presentations. A transfer studio is equipped with the technology needed to convert media formats, such as the conversion of VHS tapes to DVDs. Dedicated to optimal audio recording, the sound studio supports vocal recording with built-in equipment, while allowing for the mixing of multiple audio sources.

All studios may be reserved for two-hour blocks up to one week in advance. Faculty can reserve one of the multimedia classrooms that offer Windows and Macintosh multimedia-production computers plus a full range of software. When not reserved for larger group work, classrooms are open to individuals or small groups on a first-come, first-served basis. Access to the open area workstations, studios and classrooms is also available to individuals with valid identification cards from Delaware State University and Delaware Technical and Community College.

The Student Multimedia Design Center was designed for flexibility, with moveable workstations, rolling chairs, Smart boards, whiteboards and privacy screens to allow students to work individually or in groups.

Adjoining the studios and classrooms are multimedia workstations, where Macintosh dual-core processor computers with Windows and Apple software capabilities affording students access to a broad range of multimedia software are available.

Multimedia equipment and workstations are available to UD students, faculty and staff to create and edit multimedia projects for courses and practice presentations. Video cameras, hard drives, light and sound kits and related equipment can be borrowed from the service desk for individual or group use.

The new service area in the Student Multimedia Design Center, one of the largest such academic facilities in the country, also incorporates existing library services such as microforms, maps, copy services and digitization.

Funding for the project came from the Unidel Foundation and the Office of the Provost, with additional support from the state of Delaware. For more information about the Student Multimedia Design Center, visit [www.udel.edu/smdc].

Media contact: Martin Mbugua, (302) 831-8749, [mbugua@udel.edu]
March 5, 2007