FAQs

Who can use the lab?
Anyone with a valid TECH library account can use the lab. If you do not have a library account and are not affiliated with TECH you can get a guest account from the Circulation desk. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

How long can I have materials checked out?
TECH STUDENTS can checkout all multimedia items for 3 days with the exception of 4 hour checkouts for laser discs, LPs (records), and all reserve items.
ADMINISTRATION/FACULTY can checkout all multimedia items for 28 days.
STAFF can checkout all multimedia items for 28 days with the exception of 4 hour checkouts for laser discs, LPs (records), and all reserve items.
ALUMNI/RETIRED/NON-AFFILIATED PERSONS can checkout all multimedia items for 4 hours.

How many multimedia items can I check out at one time?
There is no limit, but be aware of how long you can have the items checked out. You may not want to check out 100 DVDs if you only have 3 days to view them.

What kind of multimedia items are in the lab?
We have CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, laser discs, audio cassettes, and LPs. The library also has CD-ROMS, but these are located at the Circulation desk.

Can I browse your collection?
Yes and no. You cannot physically browse the items in the lab. They are filed in locked cabinets that have to be opened by lab personnel. You can, however,come into the lab and look through a print out of our holdings, or you can generate lists of all our video or CD holdings, or our new acquisitions from the Music Lab home page. You can also search for specific titles in the online library catalog.

When is the lab open?
Please see our hours on the Music Lab home page.

What if I need to check out materials and the lab is closed?
Someone from the Circulation desk on first floor will be more than happy to retrieve items for you.

Can I record CDs in the lab?
All the Dell computers are equipped with CD rewritable drives. This means it is possible to record any data or audio material onto a CD that can be generated from your workstation. For example, it is possible to record a song that you have composed on the synthesizer or any software program onto a CD. It is also possible to make copies of other audio recordings ONLY if the copies do not violate copyright rules. Patrons who use the equipment are responsible for copyright compliance. Please refer to the notice on copyright or ask in the lab for further info. If you need a CD to record your work on, we have CD-Rs on sale in the lab for $1.00.

How do you work the equipment?
The Dell computers function just like the ones in the library. The audiovisual towers function almost like a home stereo unit. If you need further assistance, or have more questions, our friendly staff are always willing to help. If you prefer to work on your own we have manuals for all our equipment and software as well as some tutorials.

More questions? Call the Music Lab at 479.498.6043.