A more important chore for the media center is to maintain the self-service classrooms. A lot more could have been spent but it is doubtful the immediate effect would have been any greater. The first set of classrooms were selected based on their probability of effecting the greatest number of faculty who are likely media users. An ad hoc committee of faculty and administrators was formed to review the plan and to make suggestions. Our design together with their input resulted in the installation of lockable cabinets, video monitors, VCR's, slide projectors, overhead projectors, a fold down shelf in the back of each room, and appropriate conduit and cabling.
Some rooms have video disk players installed.
We invited Dr. Dan Niemeyer, Director of Academic Media Services at the University of Colorado in Boulder to visit our campus, meet with various groups, review our plans, and offer suggestions. Most of his expenses are covered by manufacturers of media equipment that he uses and endorses. While in California he also visited at Cal Poly Pomona. At UC Riverside the concept of the self-service classroom received a major boost following Dan's visit. Despite a very tight budget situation, money has been made available to continue this endeavor.