The Dana Digital Media Lab, under the direction of Dr. Robert Nahory, performs a variety of special projects for Rutgers University Libraries, the Institute of Jazz Studies, Newark faculty and Rutgers Newark departments. Web development, streaming video and audio, scanning of rare documents and photographs are just a few of the fascinating capabilities of the Digital lab.

The focus of our technologies is toward digital preservation, educational web base design and the development of digital objects that would be integrated into such a design. The intent is not to develop technological implementations that would replace face-to-face classes but rather to enhance and add both breadth and depth to present courses. The Lab provides the ability to restore outdated commercially unavailable valuable informational resources to modern formats for classroom and research use.

Our technologies permit the creation and the editing of digitized "streaming" video from analog sources, the creation of digitized audio, and the scanning of photos (prints, negatives, 35mm slides) on a studio quality, tabloid scanner capable of capturing images up to a bit density of 6400 dpi. These digital objects and web course materials can be implemented and distributed to clients of the Dana library. Anyone with a special request or project must have approval and permission of Dr. Nahory. Note that copyright issues may introduce restrictions.

Media and Digital Services campus outreach activities include:

• Consultation services for faculty and staff for their multimedia, instructional technology and web projects.
• Training in the use of media and digital services technology.
• Cond ucting multimedia workshops.

The Dana Room is a versatile smart classroom space that accommodates various usage requests. For classes, it can be set up with or without tables for large screen viewing of films or presentations. For receptions or special events as an in-house theatre for musical performances, the Dana Room seats 118 (chairs only) and 55 with tables and chairs. Standing room capacity is 166. There is a grand concert piano in the Dana room that was available through the generosity of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean’s office. Reservations must be made by faculty or an authorized representative at least a week in advance. Space is available on a first come first serve basis and subject to administrative approval. Media related use has priority. Videotaping of events in the Dana Room must be arranged and approved in advance.

The adjoining exhibition gallery that runs through most of the media complex offers the opportunity to display visual and textual materials, artwork, and other media in a way that encourages and facilitates learning and that serves to reinforce the importance of the jazz/media complex as an intellectually exciting and vital community space.

Recent exhibitions have included several New Jersey Book Arts exhibits and the Public Administration department’s Soviet Political Poster Art exhibit.

The gallery has also been a showcase for the display of many unique paintings and works of established artists from diversified communities and cultures.

The Seminar Room (215) is located on the 2nd floor of the library. It designed for groups of 10-20 around a conference table offering a personalized class atmosphere with the ability to show DVD and VHS media materials on a 32” monitor.

The Special Collections Room is located on the 4th floor of the library. Primarily used by library administration for meetings, video conferences and interviews, this nostalgic space displays a collection of rare books and several musical instrument artifacts.

The room seats 10 comfortably around a historic conference table that was used to sign the resolution which officially ended the hostilities between the United States and Germany in World War I.

SMART CLASSROOMS ON CAMPUS ARE NOT SCHEDULED BY DANA MEDIA SERVICES.
SMART CLASSROOM SCHEDULING AND TRAINING INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED AT:
Academic Scheduling Office: 973/353-5507
http://oat.newark.rutgers.edu/smartclassinfo.html