Unlocking Creativity: Introducing the Audio/Video Studios in the New Carrier Library
Posted August 14, 2026 in Carrier Renovation News, JMU Libraries News
With Carrier Library open again, the JMU community can discover new, state-of-the-art Audio/Video Studios as part of The Makery on the second floor of Carrier:
- An Open Creative Space for Students: For the first time ever, JMU students from any major will have access to a video and audio production space equipped with studio lighting, a green screen, and more.
- A Space for Faculty and Staff to Create Instructional Media: In this space, JMU faculty and staff will be able to record lectures, audio, and other content to support their teaching and research, with help from knowledgeable Libraries colleagues.
These two new studio spaces complement the existing Audio/Video Studios on the 5th floor of Rose Library.
An Open Creative Space for Students
Students looking to create video and audio content for coursework or personal projects can use a flexible and accessible space in the Audio/Video Studios in Carrier Library:
Highlights:
- Multi-functional setup for videography, podcasting, and photography.
- Green screen and overhead grid: Adaptable backgrounds and environments for various needs.
- Proximity to editing stations: Direct access to powerful computers for post-production using the Adobe Creative Suite.
- DIY-friendly training: Staff-led sessions ensure students can operate the equipment with confidence.
As the first media studio available to any JMU student, this space provides all Dukes with the freedom to experiment, develop ideas, and bring projects to life.
To get started as a student, visit our Media Production in The Makery page and follow the “To get started” information.
A Space for Faculty and Staff to Create Instructional Media
In the new Carrier Library, faculty and staff can benefit from a cutting-edge, full-service media production space designed to enhance their teaching, creativity, and scholarship. Whether they’re recording tutorials, interviews with subject matter experts, lectures, or immersive narratives, those who use this studio will find it is fully equipped to turn their ideas into professional-quality media.
Features:
- Full-body green screen: A curved wall, or “cyclorama,” green screen and a 270-degree curtain offering seamless background changes and endless possibilities.
- Overhead equipment grid: Lighting, microphones, and other gear can be tailored.
- Spacious design: Multi-person panels or solo presentations can be recorded with ease.
- Professional-grade recording: Equipped with Canon Cinema cameras, flexible lens options, and premium microphones.
- Expert support: Libraries staff will handle lighting, audio, recording, editing, and final production.
In this space, instructors can focus entirely on sharing their expertise while media professionals handle technical execution. In the words of Andrew Strack, our Director of Media Production and Makerspace Services, “This studio isn’t just about the physical space or equipment, but also the staff that will bring their expertise to each project.”
To get started, faculty should visit our Media Production Support for Faculty page and follow the “Get Started” information.
The Need for Studio Space at JMU
With the increasing popularity of multimedia-based assignments, the demand for media creation spaces at JMU has never been greater. As Jenna Polk, our Assistant Director of Media Production and Makerspace Services, notes:
“As the media and technology landscape keeps changing, especially with the rise of generative AI, we’re hearing from faculty members who want to offer innovative project types for their students. In addition to traditional written assignments, they’re providing experiential learning opportunities, like creating a podcast, video, or multimedia object. Students can produce all of these in our media production spaces, supported by experts from the Libraries.”
The Vision Behind the Studios
As they planned the studios, library staff drew inspiration from extensive research into other universities’ audio/visual services as well as lessons learned in the Rose Library media studio. The goal was to provide professional-grade resources to everyone in the JMU community while ensuring accessibility and flexibility for future needs. As the university evolves, JMU Libraries continues to equip students, faculty, and staff with the tools to create engaging, high-quality content.
Located near the Learning Innovations & Design Desk on the second floor of Carrier Library, the studio offers students, staff, and faculty a range of resources and experts eager to support their work.
Get Ready to Dream Big
The possibilities within these studio spaces are limitless. Whether faculty members are redesigning coursework to include video content or students are embracing podcasting and digital storytelling, JMU Libraries’ Audio/Video Studios spaces and staff are ready to meet the challenge.
Originally posted July 27, 2025; updated August 31, 2026