General Policies

1. Students must present their Pitt ID's in order to use the lab on their own.
2. Visitors are welcome on a space-available basis. They must present a photo ID.
3. Students coming in for a class do not need to present their Pitt ID. They must be accompanied by the instructor for the duration of the class.
4. Absolutely no food, beverages, or beverage containers in plain view will be permitted in the lab.
5. Duplication Policies and Procedures (Detail below) (Please also see item 8 below.)
6. Policies for Reservations and Requests (Detail below)
7. Policies on Research Projects (Detail below)
8. External Use Policy (Detail below)
9. The Language Media Center adheres strictly to University of Pittsburgh Policy 10-02-05 on Computer Access and Use.
10. The Language Media Center adheres strictly to University of Pittsburgh Policy 10-04-01 on Copying Copyrighted Material.

Duplication Policies and Procedures

The Language Media Center will copy CDs or audio cassette tapes in those cases where publishers have given permission for the materials to be copied. For specific information on permissions, please consult the Materials Lists for each language.

1. CDs/DVDs: Only blank CDs that are provided by the Language Media Center will be used to make copies. Students will be charged $1 per blank CD. For instructors, CDs are provided free-of-charge; a nominal charge applies for DVD mdeia.

3. Panther Funds: CDs and blank cassettes must be purchased with Panther Funds, which can be loaded onto any Pitt ID card at the CMC (Cash Management Center) kiosk in the Cathedral of Learning. Additional information about Panther Funds may be found on the Panther Central website.

4. Each student and instructor must fill out a Duplication Request Form, available at the reception desk. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours for each request.

Policies for Reservations and Requests

Computer Lab Reservations

Please see this Policies section.

Reservations for Recording Studio and Multimedia Development Station

Please see this Policies section.

Reservations for Checkout Equipment

Please see this Policies section.

Media Services

1. Requests must be made by the instructor of a course or a language coordinator.
2. Requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. However, departmental requests will supercede those from individual instructors.
3. An Instructor Request for Services Form (pdf) must accompany all service requests. Requests may not be made over the telephone.
4. Minimum times needed for the LMC to process requests are as follows. During peak periods at the beginning and the end of each semester, please allow extra time for projects to be completed.

   Duplicate tapes or CDs:	48 hours
   Make an audio CD after oral testing:	24 hours
   Digitize audio/video files:	3 days per cassette or CD (Note: allow extra time if editing is needed)
   Install new software on all computers:	1 month
   Prepare instructional handouts for software:	2 weeks

Storage of Media

1. Student recording files in the class folder will be kept on the Language Media Center's server for one semester.
2. Other media will be kept for 60 days, if storage space is available.

Policies on Research Projects

Please see this Policies section.

External Use Policy

1. The Language Media Center's facilities are intended for language instruction and related activities. University-internal groups' use of our space for purposes other than those stated above will be subject to availability. An inter-departmental charge may apply.

2. Use of the Language Media Center by groups external to the University will be subject to availability. In considering such requests, University of Pittsburgh classes have the highest priority. After that, public schools in the Pittsburgh area will be given priority.

3. Requests for reservations by outside groups must be received in writing at least two weeks in advance of the proposed visit, and each request must be signed by the chief administrator of the school. The Request for External Use form must be filled out and submitted.

4. The lab may accommodate no more than one such external visit per month. (Exceptions may be made, subject to availability.)

5. In general, each group should consist of no more than 30 students, and there should be a ratio of one chaperone for each ten students. Group leaders should consult with the director for groups with more than 30 students.

6. Each visit should last for no more than two hours. (Exceptions may be made in the case of testing requirements.)

7. A staff member must always be present when the facilities are used by groups external to the University.

8. There may be a charge of $50 per hour for those requesting the to use the LMC. This charge is payable in advance or on the date of use.