Digital Media Lab
Introducing Hoover Public Library’s DIGITAL MEDIA LAB
The Digital Media Lab provides the Hoover community access to audio and video equipment for their digital projects. The DML shares space with the Technology Training Center and is available by appointment. The DML room and equipment is reserved for special projects rather than general computing, which is available throughout the library.
Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. Please make reservation requests at least 72 hours in advance. To make a reservation, please call the Technology Hub at 205-444-7747 or request an appointment via email (hvdml@hooverlibrary.org). If you will need help in using the equipment, please ask for a one-on-one appointment as well. When available, reservations for the DML can be made during the following hours:
Monday - between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
Tuesday - between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
Wednesday - between the hours of 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Thursday - between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
Select Saturdays - between the hours of 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM
Select Sundays - between the hours of 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM
(Holidays and scheduled library closings excluded.)
Who Qualifies
All Hoover residents with a valid library card and in good standing may use the DML. The Lab will be available for 2-hour reservable time slots. Members 18+ may use the Lab unassisted, while anyone younger needs to be with an adult. Up to five people may be in the DML at one time. The person who makes the reservation must be present in the room.
Help using the equipment and software is available upon request. The availability of the assistant is subject to change and may not fully overlap with all DML hours.
DML Hardware
27-inch iMac Computer with Retina 5K display
This computer has the El Capitan OSX operating system (Version 10.11.6) and 32 GB of RAM. This is the main computer for use in the DML. Available software for the Mac is listed below.
Dell Optiplex
This computer is running Windows 10 with 8 GB or RAM. Available software for this PC is listed in the Software section below.
Film Digitizer
Use our film digitizer to convert your analog film into digital images in seconds. Convert slides and negatives into digital JPEGs. Supported formats include: 127, 110, and 35 mm. Users must provide their own SD/SDHC card in order to save images.
Photo Digitizer
Use our photo digitizer to convert photo prints into digital images. Convert 3x4, 4x6 & 5x7 photo prints into digital in five seconds. Users must provide their own SD/SDHC card in order to save images.
Green Screen
Put your subject in the location of your choice using the green screen! After recording, import your footage into Adobe Premiere Pro or iMovie (for video) or Photoshop (for photos).
Digital SLR
Use our Canon T5i DSLR for creating videos and photos in the DML.
Lighting Kit
The DML has two sets of lights for photo and video. A pair of lights with diffusers and a pair of lights with reflective umbrellas. Both sets are on adjustable stands.
Wacom Graphire Tablet
Use the Wacom tablet to create art, sign documents, or in place of a mouse for editing projects.
Scanner
Scan your photos, documents, 35mm slides, and 35mm negatives.
Headphones
The DML provides a set of monitoring headphones to help with editing video and audio.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface
Use the Focusrite Scarlett to connect microphones, instruments and audio lines to the computer for recording. The Scarlett also provides microphone preamps, as well as phantom power for condenser and other microphones that may require it.
Novation Launchkey 61 USB Keyboard Controller
Use the 61 key MIDI controller to create your own music.
DML Software
Adobe Audition
Make powerful audio edits including multi-track mixes.
Audacity (Mac and PC)
The simple audio editor used by pros and amateurs alike.
GarageBand (Mac)
Easily creates audio tracks and looping sound effects.
Adobe Illustrator CC 2015 (Mac) and CS6 (PC)
Create images using industry standard software.
Adobe InDesign CC 2015 (Mac) and CS6 (PC)
Design publications and other print materials with ease.
Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 (Mac) and CS6 (PC)
Edit your photos or use bulk actions to process images quickly.
Adobe After Effects CC 2015 (Mac) and CS6 (PC)
Create digital motion graphics and visual effects for your videos.
Adobe Premiere CC 2015 (Mac) and CS6 (PC)
Create and edit your video footage using Adobe’s non-linear editing software.
Handbrake (Mac and PC)
A multipurpose tool for converting and ripping video.
iMovie (Mac)
A simple video editing software which fits most projects' needs.
Adobe Dreamweaver CC 2015 (Mac) and CS6 (PC)
A website code editor for those who like a more visual experience.
Adobe Flash CC 2015 (Mac) and CS6 (PC)
Develop animations to tell your story.
Blender
Model your own 3D effects and objects.