News & Blog

As part of its ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge spaces tailored to the evolving needs of its community, the John C. Hitt Library has unveiled its latest addition: the Hitt Maker Podcast Studio. This innovative space, located on the 2nd floor, is designed to cater to the growing demand for a space for podcast production among UCF students, faculty, and staff, further solidifying the Libraries’ role as a hub for creative exploration and collaboration. 

Equipped with state-of-the-art audio and video recording technology, the Hitt Maker Podcast Studio offers users the opportunity to easily capture both audio and video recordings of their podcasts. With features like the Rodecaster Pro II audio production mixer and the ATEM Mini Pro ISO video mixer, users can effortlessly adjust microphone levels, apply effects, and switch between multiple cameras or HDMI sources for a seamless recording experience. 

The studio can accommodate anywhere from one to four individuals in recordings, and up to seven in the room, making it ideal for group discussions or interviews. Additionally, users can utilize the space for recording voice-overs for video projects, enhancing its versatility. To facilitate smooth operation, the equipment is designed to be controlled by a producer or individual not participating in the podcast, allowing users to focus on their content creation. 

The University of Central Florida places a lot of emphasis on research for faculty and students alike. While the UCF Library has an abundance of resources available for student use, there is an underused research-minded service that many of us can benefit from.

Offered by UCF Librarians, you can sign up for a research consultation. Read on below to figure out what these meetings consist of and how you can sign up for one!

A Research Consultation is a one-on-one appointment with a librarian for extensive, in-depth research assistance.

The most efficient way to set up an appointment is to request a specific subject librarian. Subject librarians are essentially UCF librarians who specialize in a designated discipline, like computer science, nursing, photography, and so much more. These librarians are the most familiar with subject-relevant resources and thus are beneficial in providing instruction support for researchers.

You can schedule a research consultation by navigating to the appointment page and filling out the designated form.

Some things to keep in mind:
– Weekend appointments are not available
– Consultations are generally conducted face-to-face, but distance learners may be accommodated via telephone, online chat, or email.
– Please allow at least 48 hours for requests to be processed
– To accommodate entire classes, request an instruction session here: https://library.ucf.edu/services/instruction/

If you have any questions, feel free to ask for help in person at the Research & Information Desk, or call/chat using the Ask Us service.

We are delighted to share some thrilling news with you all! After much anticipation and planning, we are gearing up for a significant transformation within our library. That is right – the Fourth Floor is about to undergo a comprehensive renovation!

Closing for Renovation: June 1st, 2024

Beginning June 1st, 2024, the Fourth Floor will temporarily close its doors to make way for an exciting two-year renovation project. While we understand that this may bring some initial disappointment to those who frequent this space, we assure you that the end result will be well worth the wait.

What Can You Expect?

Picture this: a revitalized Fourth Floor boasting a brand new Tech Studio with podcasting and video shooting studios, more study rooms, new silent study area, and conference rooms designed to elevate your library experience to new heights. From cutting-edge technology upgrades to expanded study spaces, innovative learning zones, and breathtaking design elements – the possibilities are endless!

Temporary Changes

During the renovation period, access to the Fourth Floor will be restricted. However, fear not! The fifth floor silent study will remain fully operational and accessible to all patrons during construction.

Stay Connected

We are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. Be sure to follow us on social media or check our website regularly for updates, sneak peeks, and progress reports on the renovation process. Your support and patience are greatly appreciated as we work diligently to bring our vision for the Fourth Floor to life.

A Future of Possibilities

As we embark on this journey of transformation, we invite you to join us in envisioning the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we will create a space where knowledge thrives, curiosity is sparked, and lifelong learning flourishes.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We can not wait to unveil the exciting new chapter in the story of our library!

The UCF Libraries does more than just encourage academic passions and support research endeavors; it also sponsors a “Love your Libraries” sticker contest! Continue reading to learn all about the contest, how you can participate, what you can win, and examine some of the past winners’ submissions!

This upcoming spring, UCF Students are invited to submit original designs for the university’s “Love your Libraries” sticker contest!

Entries must be no larger than 4” x 3”, and should be submitted as an image file (TIFF, JPEG, BMP, PNG, or GIF). The library will select one winning design that reflects the library to print and distribute during Finals Week (April 24 – 30, 2024). A winner will be announced through library social media and digital signs in the library. The winner will receive 25 printed stickers and an LED light displaying their design!

The contest closes on March 29th at 5PM.

Here are some rules to keep in mind:
– The contest is for UCF students only.
– One entry per student. If more than one entry is submitted by a student, all the entries by that person will be disqualified.
– Judges reserve the right to not select a winner due to limited submissions, or lack of exceptional submissions.
– Entries with explicit content will not be considered for this contest.
– Images may be subject to approval by UCF Marketing.

Submit your design at https://stars.library.ucf.edu/stickercontest/

Lee Dotson, Digital Initiatives Librarian and manager of STARS (Showcase of Text, Archives, Research & Scholarship), UCF’s institutional digital repository, has been accepted into the prestigious Digital POWRR Peer Assessment Program for the year 2024. POWRR stands for Preserving (digital) Objects with Restricted Resources. This program is sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). 

The Digital POWRR Peer Assessment Program is an exclusive initiative that is designed to empower individuals to address the challenges of preserving digital assets, especially when faced with limited resources. Lee will engage with a cohort in a year-long comprehensive assessment process, collaborating to evaluate and improve digital preservation strategies and practices. Participants will work closely with peers and mentors, conduct an institutional case study, generate a longer peer assessment report, present findings through a final project showcase, and write a white paper that will be published.  
 

Participants also receive a participation stipend as well as a “Technology Start Up” award that can be provisioned towards helping to jump start digital preservation activities. 

Congratulations to Lee on this significant achievement! Her participation in this Program is an investment in both her personal and our organizational growth. The digital preservation skills acquired, coupled with her strengthened network and gained leadership capabilities, will contribute significantly to advancing the digital preservation efforts of the UCF Libraries and facilitate deeper collaboration with Special Collections and University Archives.