--- Forwarded Message from Bob Majors <[log in to unmask]> ---

>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>References: <[log in to unmask]>
>From: Bob Majors <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #8487 rules and regs for facility/equipment reservations and
checkout
>Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:54:24 -0700
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum   
<[log in to unmask]>

On Mar 22, 2007, at 6:15 AM, LLTI-Editor wrote:
> From: "Mark R. Lauersdorf" <[log in to unmask]>
> 1) reservation of the studio facility
> b) use on first come, first served basis?

If you have the ability to use a group calendar, I'd recommend that.   
We have our users self-reserve the workstations, and that guarantees  
them use at a particular time.  If people fill out the calendar  
faithfully, it will also give you usage information (how much and  
when).  Another rule is if someone doesn't show up within 15 minutes  
of the start time, anyone else can take the slot.

> 2) checkout of portable equipment

Since media loan centers have been around for a long time, there's a  
wealth of information out there.  A few comments:

- Someone needs to be in charge of ensuring all the equipment is  
returned, and ideally, in working order, for the benefit of the next  
user.

- A laminated diagram of how things connect up (i.e., external mics,  
mixers, etc.), and an illustrated quick-use guide.

- Create identifying labels in large text on cables.

- Develop a test on paper and a demonstrated proficiency test that  
people must pass before they can use the equipment.  It needn't be  
lengthy, but should aim at proving the user knows how to not harm the  
equipment and how to use it safely, and likely won't make a blunder  
such as recording at digital distortion levels (something I see  
happen a fair amount of the time).

Regarding media production workstations, establish a base hardware  
configuration (how things are patched together), and have users leave  
or return the work area in that configuration when they are done.   
All user effects, such as tapes, discs, notepads, etc., etc., must be  
removed from the area to a shelf or else they can take those things  
with them when they are done.  An organized, clutter-free work area  
helps both users and maintainers of the equipment.  Sometimes this  
needs enforcing, by placing all left behind effects in a box and  
moving elsewhere.

Provide training, and a quick-use guide.

Make sure users label all discs and tapes appropriately.  Unlabeled  
media is a huge time waster.

If you have a lot of equipment that needs to get patched in and out,  
consider audio and video patch bays, so users can patch one output  
into another input (like the old telephone operators), rather than in  
and out of analog to digital converters, etc.

With digital media like audio, and especially video, storage space is  
going to be a big issue.  Consider dedicating firewire drives or  
partitions to users.  Set up scratch disk settings appropriately.

Bob Majors
Language Learning Center
University of Washington


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