The New Media Center (NMC) has long been a resource for multimedia projects at American University. This summer the NMC relocated to the university library and merged with the Digital Media Studio. The service now includes an instructional space and individual workstations.

The New Media Center is located on the lower level of the library next to Media Services. Hours are the same as other library service desks, and overnight access can be arranged by reservation.

Technical assistance is available for all NMC software.

The NMC hosts:

• 22 high-level Mac Pro computers
• A wide variety of multimedia development software
• A staff of technical experts ready to assist you with your project
• An expanded selection of audiovisual equipment available for borrowing 

A note for teaching faculty-
Each semester the New Media Center hosts an extensive training schedule. There are sessions held most days during the semester. We design these sessions based on faculty feedback, past requests and emerging trends in technology. Unfortunately, due to our staffing limits we are not able to honor requests for on-demand training for specific classes though will be happy to discuss with you existing training options to insure your students get the training they need.

The primary resource for software training is the licensed access AU faculty, staff and students have to Lynda.com.

By request, the New Media Center Coordinator will provide introductory sessions that cover New Media Center services, support and policies. These sessions last 15-20 minutes and may be scheduled in the library or in your classroom. Please contact Todd Chappell, toddc@american.edu, to schedule an introductory session.

Software Available

The NMC provides wide variety of multimedia development applications including Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Pro X, Photoshop, After Effects, Flash, Dreamweaver, iMovie HD, Logic Pro, and a wide variety of compression and DVD authoring tools.

A current list of software available in computer labs across campus can be found - here.

Suggestions for alternative software.

Software Training Workshops

The NMC conducts open workshops on a variety of topics related to multimedia production. These 20 to 30 minute sessions are open to all AU faculty, staff and students with all levels of multimedia production experience. There are usually five or six workshops held each week. For more information, contact the NMC staff (202) 885-3250.

Check the NMC calendar for the latest schedule.

Summer 2012 Workshops
Workshop schedule - by date

Workshop schedule - by topic

Workshop titles and descriptions
Most of these sessions are taught multiple times each semester. Check the schedule above for dates and times. In addition to the stand alone sessions, NMC hosts a three part series each on Final Cut Pro 7, Final Cut Pro X, and Photoshop. Taken together, part 1, 2, and 3 give a more detailed understanding of the application. RSVP is welcome but not necessary (LibNMC@american.edu).

• Get Started with Photoshop (1/3)
  Learn the basics of Photoshop by practicing selection techniques, color correction, and layer use.
• Intermediate Photoshop (2/3)
  Know the basics? Take your graphics to the next level with masking, masking selection, masked color correction and clipping.dfsaf
• Advanced Photoshop (3/3)
  Become a Photoshop guru by learning a variety of professional image manipulation techniques. Previous experience suggested.
• Final Cut Pro X: Beginner (1/3)
  Discover the Final Cut Pro X file system and learn how to import video and other media into FCP X, perform basic edits, add titles and export a finished video.
• Final Cut Pro X: Intermediate (2/3)
  Edit smarter and learn new editing techniques like nested sequences and the 3-point edit.Learn to give your video a professional touch by adding a variety of video and audio effects.
• Final Cut Pro X: Advanced (3/3)
  Push your project to the edge of the envelope by learning how to add motion to your video and depth to your audio with FCP X’s keyframing system.Previous experience suggested.
• Final Cut Pro 7: Beginner (1/3)
  Learn to manage your media and import it into FCP 7.Then edit, add some titles and export your movie for web or DVD.
• Final Cut Pro 7: Intermediate (2/3)
  Learn techniques to make editing easier and more precise.Then add a professional touch to your video with color correction, video filers and external audio.
• Final Cut Pro 7: Advanced (3/3)
  Push your project to the edge of the envelope by learning how to add motion to your video and depth to your audio with FCP 7’s keyframing system.Previous experience suggested.
• Making Movies in iMovie HD
  Have a class project but don’t know how to edit video?Learn to create quality videos with simple software.Import footage, edit, add titles and export for web or DVD.
• How to Make a Video
  No video experience?No problem.Learn the basic video production workflow.Use an NMC camera to shoot some video, import it to iMovie, edit it and export a finished video.
• Podcasting 101
  Start from scratch and record some audio with an NMC audio recorder.Then learn to import your footage into Audacity, edit it and export and finished mp3.
• How to Shoot Great Video
  It is possible to use simple gear to shoot stunning video.Learn some tips and tricks on how to shoot professional quality video and how to optimize lighting and sound recording.
• Introduction to NMC Equipment
  The NMC circulates a variety of cameras and audio recorders.Learn how to use each of these to get the best possible recordings.
• Basic Motion Graphics for Video
  Bring your graphics to life in Adobe After Effects.Learn about projects, transformations, movement in the timeline and more.
• Basic Website Development
  Get started building a website from the ground up.Learn how to use Dreamweaver to make HTML and CSS coding much simpler.
• Optimizing Video for YouTube
  Learn how to format video YouTube and increase the chances it will go viral by using a variety of search engine optimization techniques to tag and promote your work.
• Sound design in Final Cut Pro X
• Greenscreen Editing
• Video Compressrion and Export
• and more

Online Training Resources - Lynda.com and More

There is a wealth of multimedia training resources availble online. AU faculty, staff and students have access to thousands of hours of free training at Lynda.com.

The easiest way to get to Lynda.com resources is to go to www.american.edu/lynda.

More information about resources can be found at Multimedia @ AU.

AV Equipment

The New Media Center offers a variety of AV equipment for three day loan.

• HD Flip-cam style Cameras
• Audio Recorders
• Mini-DV Cameras
• Digital Still Cameras
• Tripods
• Microphones

For specifics about equipment and more information about technology loans in the library, see the Technology webpage.

Manuals, operating instructions and tutorials for AV equipment. More information can be found on the Multimedia @ AU webpage.

Check to see if a Flip UltraHD or Kodak Zi8 or MicroTrack is available.

Onsite Use Equipment

There are a number of peripherals and other pieces of equipment that AU students, faculty and staff can use on-site in the New Media Center. These can be borrowed after filling out a Borrowers Agreement for Library Technology form. Users are personally financially responsible if equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged.

• Apple G4 Powerbook laptop
• External hard drive
• iGrabber DVD and VHS video capture [using iGrabber (pdf)]
• iSight web camera
• Logitech web camera
• Headset / microphone
• Craig audio cassette transcriber
• Audio cassette recorder
• Mini-cassette recorder
• Yamaha DGX-505 music keyboard
• Multi-format camera media cardreader

Make a Reservation

To reserve a workstation call the New Media Center (202.885.2560) or use this form.

Check studio availability.

The New Media Center is staffed the same hours as Media Services:

Summer Hours:

In addition, you can make an overnight reservation to use the NMC studios after hours.

Overnight NMC Access: overnight reservations return in the Fall

The NMC workstations can be reserved for overnight use the nights the library is open 24 hours (Monday 12:00AM through Friday 8:00AM). Access is by reservation only and users must have a signed NMC Overnight Use Agreement form on file at Media Services. Once on file, users can reserve an evening (midnight - 8:00AM) to use a specific NMC studio with the software they need. Users will be given access to a keybox in the library front lobby and can then retrieve the NMC key they need. Key access is available only after midnight - the NMC is cleared of users and locked when Media Services closes. Users must leave if they are in the NMC before midnight.

Making an Overnight NMC Reservation:

1. You must make a reservation in person at the Media Services desk between 10:00AM and 5:00PM, Sunday through Thursday.
2. Present a valid AUID when you make your reservation.
3. You will be granted card-swipe access to the key lockbox in the library front lobby. It is your responsibility to test your AUID on the lockbox in advance. If your card is damaged or demagnetized, it will not work on the lockbox.
4. Each Fall and Spring semester you must have a NMC Overnight Use Agreement signed and on file at Media Services before you are given overnight access to the NMC.
5. Overnight reservations are for single evening. You will have access to a specific NMC workspace based on the software you are using.

Take a look at a video tutorial about how to access the NMC overnight. For more information contact the Media Services desk at (202) 885-3250.

New Media Center
202-885-2560
LibNMC@american.edu
Library Lower Level

Summer Hours

Film and Video at AU

Audiovisual Services 
Academic Multimedia Services 
AU on iTunesU
AU on iTunesU FAQ
Center for Environmental Filmmaking
Center for Social Media
Copyright information
Current film classes
Getting permission for campus screenings 
Lecture capture
Media Services
New Media Center
School of Communication