The podcast studio is located in the basement of Skillman Library. (Photo courtesy of Brent Schnell)

A revamped audio-visual podcasting studio will officially open in Skillman Library on March 18 for both student and faculty use.

The studio, located in Skillman Library Room 007, is one of two preexisting studios there that have been open for audio-only recording, with this studio receiving recent technological upgrades that allow for video podcast recording.

According to instructional technologist Chelsea Emrick, the major upgrade was the installation of three cameras positioned throughout the studio, which use AI technology to detect where the speaker is in the room. 

“The number one thing is [people] can record video,” Emrick said. “If you see on social media, video or in general, podcasts are now coming out with video … it provides a little bit more engagement.”

Brent Schnell, an audio-visual systems engineer, said that the studio’s new set-up is designed to be user-friendly.

“It’s as simple as plugging in two USB devices to your computer — one is your camera, one is your audio,” Schnell said. 

Emrick echoed this, saying that students do not need any prior technology experience to easily operate the equipment. 

“This room is equipped for all experience levels and to just kind of create and explore,” Emrick added. 

The studio is available for booking by students or faculty on LibCal, the same website where students can book study rooms in Skillman. Additionally, a video tutorial will be available for student use upon booking the podcast studio. 

According to Kylie Bailin, the library’s director of outreach and access service, this integration of the studio into the library only makes it more convenient for student use. 

“I see it more as within the library space, providing services to students that they need to support their coursework,” Bailin said regarding the new studio. 

“I think [the podcast studio] naturally fits in the library because we’re in a unique position on campus to have the infrastructure to be able to book a space,” said Kate Pitts, operations, communications and assessment manager for Skillman Library. 

Pitts agreed that this integration into the library will help the podcast studio be more accessible to students. 

“Because we already had the booking system, which is separate for study spaces, it was a natural fit to be able to make [the studio] easily accessible to students in an organized fashion, and to have it be accessible until 1 a.m., when we’re open, for the most part,” Pitts said. 

Bailin emphasized the podcast studio will be a space for all members of the campus community. 

“I’m just excited that we’re going to be facilitating something on campus that’s going to be used and not just by students,” she said. 

Correction 3/18/2024: A previous version of this article featured a photo of an audio-only podcast studio instead of the revamped audio-visual podcast studio.