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Multimedia >> Lab Usage Guidelines

Technology Learning and Media Center (TLMC)

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Lab Usage Guidelines - FAQs

• Who can use the TLMC?
• What type of media should I bring and where can I get it?
• Can I store my multimedia files on TLMC computers and work on my project over time?
• Can I reserve a computer for video editing?
• Can I drop off media to be converted to other formats and come back for it later?
• Can I bring in a project on my laptop to get help with?
• Can I work on personal multimedia projects in the TLMC?
• What about copyright?

Use of the TLMC is limited to members of the NDSU community. Customers must have an active electronic ID and password to login to the TLMC computers.

Customers should bring their own media. When using DVDs, DVD -Rs are more universally compatible than DVD +Rs.
Media can be purchased:

• at the NDSU Bookstore.
• at the ACM office, located at IACC 162.
• from a vending machine, located at IACC 158 (the pop room).

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Yes, customers can store files on a TLMC computer and work on them over time. Multimedia projects may occupy vast amounts of hard drive space and may require much time to complete. For the sake of efficiency, fairness, and security, customers are asked to follow these TLMC guidelines.

• All new customers should check in with a TLMC learning assistant, so they can become oriented to TLMC procedures and computer configurations.
• Video capturing and editing: All customers new and returning are required to sign in on the Video Editing Sign-Up Sheet for the computer they are using. Because the TLMC is funded by Student Technology Fees, it is important that accurate activity records are kept. The sign-up sheet also helps us to monitor projects and contact customers, if necessary.
• Customers are asked to erase files from hard drives promptly when their work is completed. Files that have not been modified for 30 days may be deleted.
• TLMC staff cannot be held responsible for lost customer files on TLMC hard drives. Customers are strongly advised to back up their project files to optical media, a networked storage device, or portable hard drive.

Yes, in an effort to preserve fair access to all customers, the TLMC has implemented a computer reservation system.

• Reservations must be made in person.
• Customers may sign up for one two-hour block per day. However, after that time period, a customer may sign up for another two-hour block if no one has signed up to use the machine.
• Reserved time blocks should include rendering and burning time. For very lengthy rendering jobs, customers can plan their time, so that rendering can be done overnight.
• In order to ensure fair access of TLMC facilities to our customers, the TLMC reserves the right to limit use of any specific machine to two hours per day per person.

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Generally, the TLMC does not offer drop-off services. However, if customers are capturing or rendering video and the activity will take a long time, customers are allowed to leave the lab and return later to pick up media or to continue working on their project. If a customer does leave the lab while a project is processing, it is essential that the customer lets the learning assistant know when she/he will return for the media. Reminder: The TLMC is not responsible for lost customer files or media or any technical problems that may occur.

Yes, customers are welcome to bring in their laptops. A learning assistant will help with supported software (i.e., software available in the TLMC) and will try to help with unsupported software.

As a result of liability issues, TLMC staff members are not allowed to touch, handle, or work on equipment that belongs to the customer.

We recognize that working on personal projects is an excellent way to build multimedia skills. Therefore, working on personal projects is allowed. However, customers should be aware that academic projects take priority over personal projects. The TLMC reserves the right to limit the use of NDSU-owned machines for non-academic purposes.

Under no circumstances may the TLMC computers, equipment, or services be used by NDSU students, staff, or faculty to generate additional income for themselves.

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Federal copyright laws protect the creative work of artists, musicians, writers, and photographers. "Fair Use" is a provision of U.S. copyright law that permits students and teachers to use portions of copyrighted materials for educational purposes.

Refer to this TLMC copyright handout that provides information about fair use practices for students and links to copyright-friendly Web sites for getting photos and music.