Odum Library's New Media Center (NMC) has successfully adapted to changing times. Since it first opened over 35 years ago, it has constantly evolved to support the needs and demands of students at Valdosta State University. As a result, the New Media Center has transformed into one of the most innovative spaces for student use in an academic library in the state of Georgia.
By keeping pace with technological innovations, the NMC has been able to acquire devices and items that have become indispensable to students. One of the first New Media Center offerings that complemented this ideology was its large format printer. Large format printing supports students who participate in undergraduate and graduate research symposiums and require professional printed posters to present their projects.
This innovation continues today. The New Media Center has embraced the 3D printer and has made strides on campus, transforming the mindset of what Media means to the campus. Currently, the NMC is working on expanding their 3D printer program even further, by creating a full 3D creation lab, complete with 3D scanners and 3D modeling software, so students can translate their own 3D designs to a tangible product using the 3D printer.
In addition, the New Media Center provides spaces that support creativity and foster an environment of learning for our students, staff and faculty. Faculty can schedule workshops to learn how to integrate new digital content and software/hardware into their courses. Students can also take advantage of these classes and workshops and learn how to use different programs that can help them become more competitive in the job market. After learning about these new technologies in NMC’s workshops, the students and faculty can get hands-on experience in one of the audio-video editing labs that are in the New Media Center. In addition, they supplement these spaces with resources that students, faculty, and staff can check out to create new media on the go. The equipment they circulate includes laptops, GoPro cameras, PA systems and much more.
The real stars of the NMC are its staff who truly represent the mission of Valdosta State University of providing a caring and welcoming learning environment. This philosophy is important in libraries, because there is often anxiety surrounding change, especially where new technologies are involved. The New Media Center focuses on helping the VSU community navigate the fast-paced changes to technology while continuing to innovate and add to its offerings so that current and future students can be successful in their academic and future working careers.
To learn more information about Valdosta State University’s New Media Center, visit their website at http://www.valdosta.edu/media.
