In 2022 Illinois Institute of Technology established the Galvin Library Media Studio (GLaMS) with funds received from the On the Road to Recovery: Transforming Library Spaces grant offered through the Illinois State Library. The new studio provides the space and tools necessary for patrons to explore their creativity and curiosity when creating podcasts, videos or music for academic purposes or just for fun.

An office located on the upper level of the library was converted into the media studio and equipped with basic tools for video production, sound recording and editing and streaming. Soundproofing material was purchased. Using funds from the grant, equipment purchased for the studio included a Mac computer, stream deck, USB audio interface, green screen and ring lights. Basic software installed on the Mac include iMovie, Garageband, Studio One and OBS. Patrons can book GLaMS via LibCal for up to three hours at a time and up to 14 days in advance. Librarians are not expected to be experts in media content creation so a LibGuide was created for patrons that explains how to reserve the studio, lists policies and provides links to online resources.

Whether it’s used for coursework in disciplines as diverse as chemistry and humanities or for creating content for personal use, GLaMS is an exciting and needed addition to Galvin Library.

Today's guest blog post is by Nichole Novak, Head of Reference and Instruction Services, Paul V. Galvin Library, Illinois Institute of Technology