University Library - New Media Center

The New Media Center (NMC) has long been a resource for multimedia projects at American University. This summer the NMC relocated to the university library and merged with the Digital Media Studio. The service now includes an instructional space and individual workstations.

The New Media Center is located on the lower level of the library next to Media Services. Hours are the same as other library service desks, and overnight access can be arranged by reservation.

Technical assistance is available for all NMC software.

The NMC hosts:

22 high-level Mac Pro computers
A wide variety of multimedia development software
A staff of technical experts ready to assist you with your project
An expanded selection of audiovisual equipment available for borrowing

A note for teaching faculty

Each semester the New Media Center hosts an extensive training schedule. There are sessions held most days during the semester. We design these sessions based on faculty feedback, past requests and emerging trends in technology. Unfortunately, due to our staffing limits we are not able to honor requests for on-demand training for specific classes though will be happy to discuss with you existing training options to insure your students get the training they need.

The primary resource for software training is the licensed access AU faculty, staff and students have to Lynda.com.

By request, the New Media Center Coordinator will provide introductory sessions that cover New Media Center services, support and policies. These sessions last 15-20 minutes and may be scheduled in the library or in your classroom. Please contact Todd Chappell, toddc@american.edu, to schedule an introductory session.

Software Available

The NMC provides wide variety of multimedia development applications including Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Pro X, Photoshop, After Effects, Flash, Dreamweaver, iMovie HD, Logic Pro, and a wide variety of compression and DVD authoring tools.

Software in Campus Computer Labs

A current list of software available in computer labs across campus can be found - here.

Suggestions for alternative software.

Software Training Workshops

The NMC conducts open workshops on a variety of topics related to multimedia production. These 20 to 30 minute sessions are open to all AU faculty, staff and students with all levels of multimedia production experience. There are usually five or six workshops held each week. RSVP is not necessary. For more information, contact the NMC staff (202) 885-3250.

Check the NMC calendar for the latest schedule.

Summer 2013 Workshops

Workshop schedule - by date

Workshop schedule - by topic

Workshop titles and descriptions
Most of these sessions are taught multiple times each semester. Check the schedule above for dates and times. RSVP is welcome but not necessary (LibNMC@american.edu).

Get Started with Photoshop
Learn the basics of Photoshop and compositing by practicing various selection techniques and layer use.
Intermediate Photoshop
Know the basics? Take your graphics to the next level with masking, masking selection, masked color correction and clipping.
Photo Re-touching
Learn to make sad photos sparkle with a number of simple color-correction techniques in photoshop.
Final Cut Pro X: Beginner
Discover the Final Cut Pro X file system and learn how to import video and other media into FCP X, perform basic edits, add titles and export a finished video.
Final Cut Pro X: Intermediate
Edit smarter and learn new editing techniques like nested sequences and the 3-point edit. Learn to give your video a professional touch by adding a variety of video and audio effects.
Final Cut Pro X: Advanced
Push your project to the edge of the envelope by learning how to add motion to your video and depth to your audio with FCP X’s keyframing system. Previous experience suggested.
Final Cut Pro X Boot Camp
A crash course in Final Cut Pro X. Learn how to use the file system, import and edit video. Then learn to use effects, titles and keyframes to add that professional touch. This is a 2 hour course.
Final Cut Pro 7: Beginner
Learn to manage your media and import it into FCP 7. Then edit, add some titles and export your movie for web or DVD.
Final Cut Pro 7: Intermediate
Learn techniques to make editing easier and more precise. Then add a professional touch to your video with color correction, video filers and external audio.
Final Cut Pro 7 Boot Camp
A crash course in Final Cut Pro 7. Learn about media management and how to import and edit video. Then learn to use effects, titles and keyframes to add that professional touch. This is a 2 hour course.
Adobe Premiere: Beginner
Discover Adobe’s non-linear video editing application. Learn how to setup a project and import footage. Then edit, add some titles and export your movie for web or DVD.
Adobe Premiere: Intermediate
Take Premiere further with advanced editing techniques. Learn to give your video a professional touch by adding a variety of video and audio effects.
Making Movies in iMovie HD
Have a class project but don’t know how to edit video? Learn to create quality videos with simple software. Import footage, edit, add titles and export for web or DVD.
Podcasting 101
Start from scratch and record some audio with an NMC audio recorder. Then learn to import your recordings into Audacity, edit it and export a finished mp3.
Basic Motion Graphics for Video
Bring your graphics to life in Adobe After Effects. Learn about projects, transformations, movement in the timeline and more.
Panopto: Basic Training
Discover how easy it can be to record a presentation or create tutorial videos with the Panopto video system. Learn how to record videos, upload them to Blackboard and distribute them.
Blogging Technologies
Always wanted to learn how to blog? In this course you’ll learn how to setup a blog in Wordpress and Blogger and you’ll explore some best practices in blogging and content management.
Presentations with Prezi
Wow your fellow students and colleagues. Learn to use Prezi to organize your data and add pizazz to your presentations. Never bore your audience again.
Remember with Evernote
Learn to use the software that can bookmark your life. Discover how Evernote can save notes, images, videos, locations and much more. Great for journalism and research.
Video Compression
Is your video too big? The wrong format for a film festival submission? If so, this course will teach you how to compress your video into a variety of common formats for DVD and web distribution.
Easy Websites with Wix
Need to get yourself out there fast? Did a job application ask for your website? In this course you will learn how to create professional-looking websites with Wix, a simple, online web development platform.
Composing Beats in Garageband
Like trance? House? Jungle? Ever wanted to make your own electronic music? Now you can. Learn how easy it is to use Garageband to make beats and other electronic music tracks.
DVD Authoring (Encore, Toast, DVD Studio Pro, iDVD)
Learn how to burn high-quality DVDs with these simple programs. Add menus, graphics, music and videos to your DVD to give it that Hollywood look.

NMC Beyond the Studio Series
The Hero with 1000 Faces: Storytelling for Video
Learn to apply Joseph Campbell’s hero-centric storytelling model to your video projects. Discover how you can grab your audience from the first frame and not let go until well after they’ve finished your film.
Producing Video Internationally
Interested in producing a film in the international arena but found the logistics intimidating? Learn how one filmmaker overcame all the obstacles to create a powerful documentary on African refugees in Israel.
Rick Rolled Again: Memes and Meaning
Discover the story behind many of today’s most popular Internet memes. Learn how they are propagated and how you might be able to make your own.
How to Shoot Professional Video with Any Camera
Spend an evening with Emmy award-winning cinematographer Larry Engel and learn how anyone can shoot amazing video with any camera. Explore shooting techniques, framing, lighting and sound recording.
Marketing Yourself for the Film Industry
"Getting in" is notoriously hard, but there are a number of things you can do to increase your changes. Learn how to fine tune your resume and presentation for jobs in the film industry.
Make Me Laugh: Screenwriting for Comedy
Learn to write to make people laugh. Begin with a beat-by-beat analysis of a contemporary comedic scene. Then discover comedic structure and learn how to create great jokes and visual gags.
Fantasies and Freedom: Trends in New Media
Ever considered a career in video games? Marketing? Social media? Mobile applications? Explore the myriad of professional avenues available to those with multimedia skills.
Post-post: Your Film and the Festival Circuit
What do you do once your film is done? You get it out there and make a name for yourself. Learn how to navigate the rough waters of the film festival circuit and optimize your chances for festival acceptance.

Online Training Resources - Lynda.com and More

There is a wealth of multimedia training resources availble online. AU faculty, staff and students have access to thousands of hours of free training at Lynda.com.

The easiest way to get to Lynda.com resources is to go to www.american.edu/lynda.

More information about resources can be found at Multimedia @ AU.

lynda url

AV Equipment

The New Media Center offers a variety of AV equipment for three day loan.

HD Flip-cam style Cameras
Audio Recorders
Mini-DV Cameras
Digital Still Cameras
Tripods
Microphones

For specifics about equipment and more information about technology loans in the library, see the Technology webpage.

Manuals, operating instructions and tutorials for AV equipment. More information can be found on the Multimedia @ AU webpage.

Check to see if a Kodak Zi8 camera, Kodak Playtouch camera, Zoom audio recorder or MicroTrack audio recorder is currently available.

Onsite Use Equipment

There are a number of peripherals and other pieces of equipment that AU students, faculty and staff can use on-site in the New Media Center. These can be borrowed after filling out a Borrowers Agreement for Library Technology form. Users are personally financially responsible if equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Apple G4 Powerbook laptop
External hard drive
iGrabber DVD and VHS video capture [using iGrabber (pdf)]
iSight web camera
Logitech web camera
Headset / microphone
Craig audio cassette transcriber
Audio cassette recorder
Mini-cassette recorder
Yamaha DGX-505 music keyboard
Multi-format camera media cardreader

Make a Reservation

To reserve a workstation call the New Media Center (202.885.2560) or use this form.

Check studio availability.

The New Media Center is staffed the same hours as Media Services:

Summer Hours:

Monday - Thursday	9 am - 8:45 pm
Friday	9 am - 5:45 pm
Saturday	11 am - 5:45 pm
Sunday	11 am - 5:45 pm

In addition, you can make an overnight reservation to use the NMC studios after hours.

Overnight NMC Access: Overnight Access Returns Fall Semester

The NMC workstations can be reserved for overnight use the nights the library is open 24 hours (Monday 12:00AM through Friday 8:00AM). Access is by reservation only and users must have a signed NMC Overnight Use Agreement form on file at Media Services. Once on file, users can reserve an evening (midnight - 8:00AM) to use a specific NMC studio with the software they need. Users will be given access to a keybox in the library front lobby and can then retrieve the NMC key they need. Key access is available only after midnight - the NMC is cleared of users and locked when Media Services closes. Users must leave if they are in the NMC before midnight.

Making an Overnight NMC Reservation:

You must make a reservation in person at the Media Services desk between 10:00AM and 6:00PM.
Present a valid AUID when you make your reservation.
You will be granted card-swipe access to the key lockbox in the library front lobby. It is your responsibility to test your AUID on the lockbox in advance. If your card is damaged or demagnetized, it will not work on the lockbox.
Each Fall and Spring semester you must have a NMC Overnight Use Agreement signed and on file at Media Services before you are given overnight access to the NMC.
Overnight reservations are for single evening. You will have access to a specific NMC workspace based on the software you are using.

Take a look at a video tutorial about how to access the NMC overnight. For more information contact the Media Services desk at (202) 885-3250.

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