Overview

The Elizabeth Briscoe-Wilson Technology Center provides access to technology, media-based instructional materials and equipment for the library. We provide service, education and access to current and advanced technology in support of the library and Lincoln University.

The center is located on the ground floor of Page Library, along with the General Stacks and the Multimedia and Group Study rooms. It serves the University as an academic support unit. Patrons may check out some items, depending upon policy and availability, however, some materials in the Tech Center are not available for circulation. Available audio visual materials include video, DVDs and multimedia kits. These items are searchable via the Online Public Access Catalog. 

For more information or assistance one may contact us at 573.681.5260 during operating hours.

Mission Statement

The purpose of a technology center is to provide access to technology and tech-based instructional materials and equipment through service, education, and access to current and advanced technology.  The mission of the Technology Center (TC) known as Media Services, Media Center or the Elizabeth Briscoe Wilson Technology Center, is to fulfill this purpose – in cooperation with other technology units on campus –, to enhance and support the library's mission, and to support Lincoln University's (LU) mission of education.

Description and Staffing

1. The TC is located on the ground floor of the library. It serves the University as an academic support unit.  There are a variety of materials, including hardware and software, which are maintained by the TC. Patrons may check out some items, depending upon policy and availability, however, some materials in the TC are not available for circulation.
    
2. The TC provides several different kinds of services to the patrons of Page Library. These services include graphics and video production, hands-on instruction and workshops in technology, viewing rooms, equipment, search aid, and other options as necessary.
    

The TC is optimally staffed library personnel and student workers for full functionality.  The library positions are usually listed as the Technology Center Coordinator, Technology Center Assistant, and other Library Professionals as assigned. All professional and non-professional staff in the Technology Center are trained in using the available technology and have points of expertise in various media and media production.  Student workers are also trained in utilizing equipment and producing media.  Everyone in the Technology Center supports the healthy general-access environment in the library through cross-training and application of other important daily duties and will perform any necessary function in any department of the library as needed.

Technology Center Collection and Circulation Policy

The Technology Center (TC) currently has two sets of available media: the (1) circulating collection and (2) archival collection.  The collections are stored in two locations - with the circulating collection in the general stacks and the archival collection in the TC. Videos and other media are stored and cataloged according to the Library of Congress classification system, which is standard for Lincoln University Page Library. Items can be searched via the Online Public Access Catalog name Arthur.  The catalog for Page Library is found at http://arthur.missouri.edu/search~S1 or may be accessed from the Library's web pages.

Since all media are stored by call number, it is best if patrons ask for the item by call number.  As a secondary measure, a patron might provide a Title. In which case, the staff person may then search the catalog for the call number. A secondary log of the collection, listed by title and then call number is also kept, in case of electronic failure.

1. Videos retrieved from the circulating collection may be checked out by Lincoln University students and personnel. Other university and community patrons may view the collection in the library, but may not check the AV items out. Media checkout follows the circulation policies of the library.  There is technically no limit to the number of items which may be checked out, but we recommend a limit of 5 maximum.  The general list is as follows:

            Videos             2 days

            DVDs               2 days

            CDs                  2 days

            Books              30 days

2. Videos retrieved from the archival collection are considered reserve materials. They may be viewed by anyone in the library, but generally may not be checked out as a circulating item.
    

Lincoln University personnel may reserve media, from either collection for viewing within the library for a designated time during the semester.  These videos may come from either collection, but may not be circulated until after the reserved time is over.  The media may only be viewed within the premises of the library.  Reserved materials will be located on the reserve shelf in the TC or upstairs in the Circulation department's reservation section. If the reserved video is not on the shelf, the patron may check either location.  At the end of the reservation period or semester, the reserve item will be returned to the appropriate collection and become available for circulation accordingly.

Technology Center Production Policy

The Technology Center contains several computers, but should not be confused with a computer lab.  Each computer has a designated purpose related to media production.  In general, it is not available to the public since it is a production area geared solely for the creation of graphics and video. However, graphics instruction to patrons and occasional graphics production by patrons occurs within the TC.  Room and equipment availability is made at the discretion of the TC staff. Access to the equipment may be denied depending upon the need of the TC.

Instruction, help, and editing is available to patrons through appointments, via workshops, or during posted service hours

All equipment requires knowledge and instruction before use – especially by anyone who is non-staff.  Supervision is required.  Patrons, if the equipment is made available may only use the lab in accordance with the following rules:

No data, video or otherwise, is to be left permanently on any computer.  All data, no matter the medium, is subject to immediate removal as necessary, regardless of whether or not the patron has stored data on video or CD previous to the removal. Mediums that are left without labels or for an extended length of time become the property of the TC.  Do not leave personal content in the lab without permission, or some kind of note, and expect it to be there the next day.

Only trained TC staff may adjust wires or move AV equipment within the TC and the library.

Use of the editing equipment is limited to persons who have experience. It is expected that persons interested in using the equipment will get the instruction previous to the need.  Availability of MC staff is not guaranteed without an appointment. MC staff are not obligated to drop everything to attend to instruction for equipment or process.

Patrons should not expect the editing equipment or any equipment to be available simply because they show up.  Nor should they expect help without an appointment.

Copyright is enforced.  The Media Center may create and distribute graphic productions but will follow copyright law in doing so.  Copyright protected media may only be dubbed for educational purposes and according to the standards of the law.

Patrons may only access equipment during available open hours and if the staff is available to assist them.  Patrons may only schedule a maximum of three hours per day in the lab unless otherwise arranged with the TC staff. Patrons must sign in and provide a current Lincoln University ID at the time of arrival.  All patrons must exit at the time of close.