Technology lab offers creative space

By Julie Newell
Editor in Chief

The LCC Library, located on the second floor of the Technology and Learning Center (TLC 2110), recently opened a new technology lab space.

“The technology lab is a new space inside the library specifically designed to allow students to unleash their creativity,” LCC Library Help Zone Technologist Dakota Lindsey said. “Whether your passion is digital art, music, video games or space travel, we will have an experience for you.”

According to Lindsey, the common area of the lab features a large format printer, two 3D printers and an open study area. 

“With our equipment, students are able to create music, podcasts, movies, posters, 3D figures, hand-drawn art or beautiful photos,” Lindsey said. “We also provide spaces to relax with a game and indulge their curiosity (by) touring a museum or flying through space in virtual reality. Since we have opened, posters of pets have been especially popular.”

LCC student employee Lucy James said she enjoys using the 3D printers to make a bunch of small, fun things.

LCC pre-radiography student Elice Van Woensel and graphic communications student Addie Collatz said the lab can be used for both education and personal enjoyment purposes.

The lab also features four rooms: a digital media creation room, a video game room, a virtual reality room, and a music and voice recording room.

“The digital media creation space features full access to Adobe’s Creative Cloud Suite, including Photoshop and Premier, two iMac computers, a Waycom drawing tablet, and a 75-inch display for reviewing projects,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey said the videogames room gives students access to a PlayStation 4 and the WiiU.

The virtual reality room features an Oculus Quest 2 and access to many VR experiences.

“The music and voice recording rooms offer editing software such as ProTools and Audacity, high quality Blue and Shure microphones, and instruments, including a piano, drum kit and guitar,” Lindsey said.

According to Lindsey there are a few rules for the lab:

• All equipment in the lab is subject to the college’s Acceptable Use Policy;
• All prints will be reviewed by staff and may be rejected for any reason;
• 3D printed weapons or replica weapons is not allowed;
• Rooms may be checked out in two-hour blocks;
• Back-to-back bookings are not allowed;
• Food and drink are not allowed in technology rooms.

The lab is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The lab is closed on Sunday.