With signs, balloons and a ceremonial ribbon cutting, the Henry Madden Library Music and Media Resource Center announced the grand opening of the Video Studios Monday, Jan. 27.

The newly constructed Video Studios are situated just east of the resource center of the third floor of the library. 

Library Services Specialist Terry Lewis said, “The primary purpose of the Video Studios is to provide an environment in which students are able to record videos, podcasts and even theater auditions, all in the Henry Madden Library for free.”

Fresno State Dean of Library Services Delritta Hornbuckle is credited with spearheading the creation of the Video Studios. Hornbuckle sought to augment students’ experience in the Henry Madden Library by creating an area dedicated to help students familiarize themselves with recording technology in the age of multimedia.

The studios come equipped with everything one would expect from a modern video studio: remote controlled cameras, lights, directional microphone and SD cards. All this equipment is available to Fresno State students and faculty to check out.

The Video Studios boast white soundproof walls suited for recording needs. Plans to expand the Video Studios are still being worked on with ideas, such as a portable greenscreen.

“Both students and faculty on campus are able to use the studios; however, students have the priority when reserving the rooms. Faculty and others would have to submit an application that is reviewed on a case-by-case process,” Lewis said.

“While the Video Studios implies that students with multimedia majors would benefit from such an installation, it’s really open to anyone that might have a use for it,” Lewis said.

Public Relations Specialist Heather Parish said the facility will be useful. “Communication through video media is becoming more common,” Parish said. “With the creation of the Video Studios, it will help others on campus with more options to complete coursework.”

Attendance to the exhibition was rather lively with roughly 30 to 40 visitors present throughout the two hours. 

The Video Studio is available for reservation for a maximum of two hours daily (30 minute sections) corresponding with the Music and Media Resource Center hours. However, Lewis noted that “if students have a group project to complete, they’re able to check it out for multiple hours assuming they reserve it (Video Studio) in succession.”­

“The Video Studios were created due to the demands of students,” said Lewis. He hopes that students carry on this momentum moving forward, as without their support the Video Studios would not be possible.