The Studio supports a wide range of recording and editing projects. You can record lectures or instructional videos, voice-over narration for videos or slideshows, individual or group interviews, and podcasts. You can also edit multi-track audio mixes, short films, documentaries, narrative videos, and other creative, informational, or instructional video projects.

The Studio is free to use. However, patrons are responsible for any damage to Studio equipment, lost or missing items, and fines for late returns of loanable equipment. For full details on fines and replacement costs, please see the Studio terms of use.

The Studio is open during the Library’s regular building hours. It is closed on national holidays, may operate with adjusted hours for special events or other circumstances, and has limited hours during academic breaks. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Library Hours page.

A reservation is required to use the Studio. You can reserve the space up to two weeks in advance through our online system, LibCal, available on the Studio homepage. Same-day reservations may be available but are not guaranteed.

After booking, you will receive a confirmation email. At the time of your reservation, bring your Vandal Card to the Library Circulation Desk to check out the Studio key. The key must be returned to the Circulation Desk by the end of your reserved session.

If your plans change, please cancel your reservation to free up the space for others.

Community members or others not affiliated with the U of I may request temporary short-term access by sending an email to lib-studio@uidaho.edu.

Reservations are generally limited to two hours to ensure fair access for all users. You may book multiple sessions if needed, but extended reservations depend on availability.

Yes, the Studio can be used for group projects, such as interviews, podcasts, or collaborative video recordings. Please be considerate of space limitations, as the room is designed primarily for small groups.

If you have questions about whether your group size or project setup is appropriate for the space, contact Library staff before making a reservation.

Yes. To request an orientation, please email lib-studio@uidaho.edu. In your message, include your status (student, faculty, staff, or non-university affiliate), a brief description of the project you plan to work on, and the days and times you are available for an orientation.

To make the most of your time in the Studio, we recommend planning ahead.

Before your visit, consider:

• Bringing any project files, scripts, slides, or media you plan to use (USB drive or cloud storage recommended)
• Allowing time to set up, test equipment, and save your work before your session ends

The Studio provides:

• Audio and video recording equipment
• Studio computers with production software installed
• Accessories such as microphones, audio interfaces, and cables

Please note that personal storage on Studio computers is not available, so be sure to save your files before logging out. If you are working on a class project, podcast assignment, or recording for the first time, consider requesting an orientation or contacting Library staff for assistance.

Yes. Instructions are available in the Studio, and Library staff can provide assistance. If you need additional support or one-on-one help, please contact us in advance to arrange a consultation.

Yes. The Library is happy to support class visits and course-integrated projects involving the Studio. Faculty may request a class tour, a demonstration of the space, or instructional support for students working on podcasting or other media-based assignments. To schedule a visit or discuss assignment needs, please email lib-studio@uidaho.edu with your course information, project goals, and preferred dates.

Yes! Below are recommended guides and resources to help you with podcasting, audio production, filmmaking, and using Studio equipment:

Manuals and Guides

• Podcasting and Audio Storytelling Guide (University of Michigan Library) - Basics of podcast production and audio storytelling
• Producing a Podcast - Canva’s guide on producing a podcast, featuring articles from The New York Times Learning Network
• Audacity Reference Manual - Official tutorials and user guide for Audacity software
• The StudioBinder Blog - Guides on video production, directing, producing, scriptwriting, and post-production
• Learn About Film - Tutorials and practical advice for filmmakers

Studio Equipment Manuals

• View manuals and brochures for Studio equipment to learn how to set up and operate the tools available in the space.

eBooks

• The music producer’s ultimate guide to FL Studio 21: from beginner to pro - This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to make the most of FL Studio 21’s powerful tools and features. You will learn the secrets to creating professional-sounding music, from creating chord progressions to tailoring your sounds to perfection with compression, equalization, and stereo width effects.
• Logic Pro: professional music production - Using a project-based approach, this book shows you how to record audio and software instruments, create musical content, and build arrangements.
• Introduction to Video Production: Studio, Field, and Beyond - Written in a clear, non-technical manner, Introduction to Video Production focuses on the fundamental principles and aesthetics of video production and the technologies used in both studio and field environments.

If you need images, music, video, or other stock content for your audiovisual project, the resources below offer digital media assets you can use. Some are royalty-free, while others require attribution or have specific license terms. Always check the usage rights for any asset before including it in your work.

To learn more about Creative Commons licenses and copyright, visit the U of I Library Copyright Guide or attend one of our Library workshops on Creative Commons licensing.

Images

• Creative Commons Search - Search Creative Commons licensed images
• Flickr (Creative Commons license) - Creative Commons photo sharing
• Pexels - Free stock photos
• Pixabay - Free stock images and illustrations
• Unsplash - Free high-quality stock photos
• Freepik - Stock photos (check licensing terms)

Icons

• Flaticon - Free and premium icons
• Freeicons.io - Free and premium icons
• Freepik Icons - Icon library (check licensing terms)

Audio (Music)

• Videvo Music Library - Free royalty-free music
• Free Music Archive - Free music for various uses
• Freeplay Music - Free and licensed music options

Audio (Sound Effects)

• Videvo Sound Effects - Free sound effects
• YouTube Audio Library - Free music and sound effects (Google account required)
• BBC Sound Effects Library - Archive of free sound effects

Video

• Pexels Videos - Free stock video clips
• Videezy - Free and premium video footage
• Dareful - High-quality 4K video clips

Motion Graphics

• Videvo Motion Graphics - Free animated elements

Important: Some resources require attribution. Always review the license for each asset and credit the source when required.

Attribution Examples:

• Image: Photo by Jane Doe via Unsplash, used under Unsplash License
• Audio: Music track “Acoustic Breeze” by Bensound, used under Creative Commons License
• Video: Video footage by Dareful, used under Dareful License

If you are unsure how to give proper credit, consult the licensing terms provided by the source or contact Library staff for assistance.

The Studio is equipped with audio and video recording tools, software, and accessories for most projects. However, you are welcome to bring your own equipment, such as instruments, microphones, cameras, or storage devices, as long as they are compatible with the space and do not require permanent installation.

Audio Software Installed on the Studio iMac:

• Logic Pro X - Professional digital audio workstation (DAW) with built-in sample libraries, plugins, and preset preferences for seamless use with the MIDI keyboard and MOTU audio interface. Ideal for recording and multi-track editing.
• MainStage - Live performance software designed to complement Logic Pro.
• GarageBand - Beginner-friendly DAW with simplified features for easy music creation.
• Adobe Audition - Professional audio editing and restoration software.
• Audacity - Simple, open-source tool for basic audio editing and recording.
• REAPER - Flexible, full-featured DAW for recording, editing, and mixing.
• FL Studio - DAW with a pattern-based music sequencer and graphical interface for music production.
• Sibelius - Advanced music composition and notation software with AI-powered features, markup tools, and cloud publishing options.

Audio Recording Equipment Available in the Studio:

• Two Shure SM58 microphones
• MPK Mini MIDI keyboard
• Focusrite audio interface with 1/4 inch input
• RØDECaster Pro II production console
• WhisperRoom sound isolation booth
• Studio subwoofer

These setups are ideal for:

• Podcasts
• Single or multi-track recordings
• Basic MIDI input
• Voiceovers
• Music recordings

Need help getting started? Instructions are available in the Studio, or you can contact Library staff for assistance.

Video Software Installed on the Studio iMac:

• Adobe Premiere - Professional video editing software for advanced projects.
• Final Cut Pro - Professional video editing software optimized for Mac users.
• Camtasia - Screen recording and video editing software, ideal for tutorials and presentations.
• iMovie - Beginner-friendly video editing with basic features.
• Motion - Motion graphics software for creating animated visuals, titles, and effects.
• Compressor - Encoding and transcoding software for Final Cut Pro projects with customizable export options.

We also have equipment available to loan, including cameras, tripods, a green screen, a black backdrop, and portable light.

No. Files saved on the Studio iMac may be deleted at any time. Please bring an external storage device (USB drive or portable hard drive) or use cloud storage such as OneDrive to save your work during and after your session.

No. The Studio is not a completely soundproof space. Please be mindful of your noise level while using the Library Studio. While the space supports creativity and collaboration, loud sounds—including conversations, music, and instruments—can disrupt others. We recommend using headphones for audio monitoring and keeping all volume levels reasonable.

For isolated audio recording, you can use the WhisperRoom sound isolation booth, available inside the Studio.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Please contact us at lib-studio@uidaho.edu.