The classroom and lab space, fondly known as LIB 113, once again opens its doors to the whole Skidmore community. This fall, the research and media production space is getting an update, including a name change to better capture its mission and scope. DOClab includes the LIB 113 suite on the first floor of Scribner Library, the MDOCS attic for archival projects and sound design and recording on the second floor of Filene and the people who make the documentary magic happen.

Co-directed by Adam Tinkle (DS/MFS faculty) and Jesse Wakeman (MDOCS program coordinator) and staffed by skilled Skidmore student assistants, these production spaces are open to students with doc projects and in documentary studies classes, as well as all Skidmore faculty and the campus at large. DOClab's most important function is to enrich the liberal arts with media and storytelling by providing resources to campus storytellers from production gear, high-end editing software to classroom support and project development. We invite you to explore further; stop by or read on.

LEARN

DOClab staff provide workshops and one-on-one project support for students, faculty, staff and community members to learn new ways of telling stories with digital media. Student lab assistants provide workshops throughout the semester on three main consumer-grade production software: Audacity (audio editing); Final Cut Pro (video editing); and Photoshop (photo editing). Assistants can also introduce you to production equipment for photo, video and sound recording. In addition, there are typically two to three master classes offered by professionals. Each semester, MFS and MDOCS deliver an Ethics Bowl, offering an overview of ethical and legal issues in media production. Anyone can take a workshop or stop in to work or get support. 

Check out the schedule for this semester.

 

BRING YOUR PROJECT

Whether you're a student working on a class assignment or a faculty member interested in incorporating documentary approaches and media into the classroom, DOClab staff can provide support in documentary storytelling and media production. The lab located in Library 113 provides open hours for the campus community to drop by and work with a skilled student lab assistant on a specific project or to get general media help. Student lab assistants specialize in video, audio and graphic production and workflow and are ready to help you with your media and production questions. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with a lab assistant.

For faculty looking to incorporate documentary and media practice into the classroom, from video assignments to oral histories to web storytelling, Co-directors Adam Tinkle (audio projects) and Jesse Wakeman (video projects) and MDOCS Director Jordana Dym (archive, oral history and community-based projects) are ready to discuss the scope and goal of your assignment. They will work with you to identify necessary resources. As needed, we can develop and lead instructional workshops and pair your class with a student lab assistant to act as your "media peer mentor" through the duration of the project. Fill out this form to get started.

 

GET EQUIPPED

DOClab can supply portable exhibit cases, audio guides and media production gear from consumer-grade to professional standards for projects and courses in DS and beyond. Kits for photography and video recording includes Canon DSLR cameras, Sony and Zoom audio recorders, tripods, boom poles, a green screen, a variety of microphones, camera rigs and more. Specialized sound mixers, stereo microphones for cellphones and audio guides for walking tours are also available. GoPro cameras with a 360-degree kit get your action shots. To receive a full list of DOClab equipment and/or to inquire about a specific item, please write to Jesse with the details of your project.

RECORD

In addition to production gear, DOClab includes two spaces for audio production. A recording booth is located in Library 113 (ideal for narration, two-person interviews and sound effect creation). A sound design space ideal for creating four-channel audio tracks and general sound design is located in the attic (Filene Hall). 

 

MAKE AND EDIT

Doclab is not just for documentary studies courses. The 12-seat classroom and 12–14 seat conference/seminar room in Library 113 are also available for reservation, separately or together, for meetings, classes and group projects. Schedule through EMS; more info here.