UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — To meet the growing demand for multimedia services at the Pattee Library Media Commons, a new location has officially opened in Shields Building on Penn State’s University Park campus.
The Penn State community is invited to an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Shields Media Commons, 22 Shields Building. Attendees may stop by anytime during the event to explore the new space and get hands-on with the technology. Interested participants can add the open house to their calendars from the TLT event page.
The Shields Media Commons offers a suite of cutting-edge resources designed to support creative and academic projects and assignments. Highlights include:
- Podcast Lounge: A professional-grade audio and video recording space tailored for podcast creation.
- Photo Studio: A hands-on, pro-level environment for product photography, headshots, portraits and more.
- Influencer Pod: A private, sound-dampening space for recording audio and video on users’ own devices.
- AI Arcade: An interactive, self-paced space where users can explore and experiment with premium versions of emerging AI applications on four iPads.
- Studio One: Two dedicated video recording studios for high-quality production.
- Editing Stations: Four iMacs equipped for video and audio editing.
This multimedia space is staffed by a full-time multimedia specialist who provides expert guidance on using the available technology.
Adjacent to the Shields Media Commons is The Dreamery, a collaborative learning space where faculty can request select Media Commons-led workshops on a variety of multimedia topics.
Bill Zimmerman, assistant teaching professor of advertising/public relations, recently visited with his first-year seminar communications students to the Shields Media Commons for a podcasting workshop. He asked his students to create a one-minute trailer or teaser for a podcast designed to engage a specific audience. Students recorded in the Podcast Lounge, Studio One and Influencer Pod and designed custom covers for their podcasts with the AI Arcade.
“The value of the Media Commons can be measured by the smiles on students' faces. They're excited to be creating and freed from the intimidation of getting video, audio and lighting right on their own. By starting with fun, low-stake recordings the students are prepared to come back and tackle more involved projects later. I'm excited to see what my students make in those return visits,” Zimmerman said, reflecting on his experience.
Individuals who have an idea for a multimedia assignment or want to brainstorm with a consultant or tour the space are encouraged to fill out the Media Commons Appointment Request Form to get in touch with the team.