Robin Krivesti has a job that movie buffs might dream of.
Her task as media resources manager for Instructional Media Technology Services involves managing and purchasing for IMTS' vast video-library collection. In part, on an Ohio University acquisitions budget, her department buys DVDs and various other forms of video to add to their 16,000-title catalog.
And the best part? They share. Although primarily intended for the use of faculty who wish to supplement their classes with additional educational tools, students may also borrow from the media library free of charge.
Krivesti said the collection contains everything from documentaries on the history of the Olympics to new releases like Shrek 2. If the media library does not have it, Krivesti said they are open to suggestions on what to order next.
The collection can be browsed through Alden Library's online ALICE service and IMTS staff can also make recommendations.
Sometimes
we open a new door for people said Krivesti.
Senior Justin Kish rents from the media library once or twice a week. He said he would not have been able to see some of the movies he has without the IMTS media library.
Although IMTS usually only has a limited amount of copies, having more than one is rare -the service excels in owning the more obscure titles, film major and IMTS employee Chelsea Lorrainel said.
You just wouldn't believe what they have. [The media library] is a great resource and excellent learning tool Lorrainel said.
Amy Wildermuth, English major and employee at IMTS, rents primarily new releases, but said she has utilized the various educational videos as well.
Personally I think the service is under-utilized when it comes to students
Wildermuth said, It's an untapped resource.
Krivesti said although IMTS has seen a 55 percent increase in student usage comparing November 2003 to November 2004, she would like to see more people using the service.
IMTS, as a student-lending program, has existed since 1993. Before then, the service focused solely on providing instructors with the technology they wished to use in their classrooms, Krivesti said. The collection has changed primary formats from 16mm film to VHS to DVD.
John Lamborn, assistant dean for Public Services at Alden Library, said IMTS has helped the library adapt to technological changes over the years.
IMTS has provided the library an opportunity to keep pace with changes in instructional technology. This generation of students has a more visually oriented learning style
and video media has become a respected teaching aid
Lamborn said.
The Phase 1 renovation of the library's second floor included the addition of a more attractive and visible entrance, making it more accessible and better incorporated with the Learning Commons.
IMTS media library hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday. Students must present their university ID in order to rent from the collection.
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