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Digital Media Lab

Try new tools, make great things!

Digital Media Labs (DML) offer resources to help our community create and learn while experimenting with new technologies. You will find our Digital Media Labs at the Fairfield,  Libbie Mill, Tuckahoe, Twin Hickory and Varina Libraries.

Labs are available for self-serve use by intermediate and advanced users. Basic information about the DML resources can be provided by library staff, while classes can be available for more in-depth instruction. Read on for more about Digital Media Labs at the library.

Using a Digital Media Lab
You can use one of our Digital Media Labs in a few different ways:

Open Hours

If you have a project you're working on and need a program like Photoshop or Premiere, or want to digitize photos, slides, negatives, or videos, come by during Open Lab hours and get to work.

Open Lab hours vary by location. Check our open lab hours calendar for details.

Classes

There are a wide variety of computer classes offered in the DMLs. Whether you are just getting started with computers, want to brush up on some dusty skills or learn something completely new there is a class for you. Check our online events calendar for the all of our upcoming classes!

Reservations

Reserve the lab with your library card to create audio and visual projects using the podcasting station or green screen and video camera.

Get ready for your lab time

When preparing to work in the Lab, keep these things in mind:

  • Bring the source materials you want to work on. This could be props for your video, video you've shot elsewhere, pictures to scan, or maybe a 3D model you'd like to have printed.
  • Have a way to take your files home when you're done. Files saved to the Lab hard drives are regularly deleted. Bring a USB drive or set up a cloud storage account to preserve your work. Have these things ready before your lab visit.
  • Media files can be huge. Leave plenty of time to export and save your projects until you get used to how long your project takes. Be sure your drive has plenty of free space to hold your projects.
Digital Media Lab Resources

The computers in a Digital Media Lab have more processing power than the computers you will find in the rest of the library. They also have more software that you can use to edit photo, video and audio files.

A Digital Media Lab also has equipment you can use. Examples of the available equipment is listed below. Some of our Digital Media Labs have more, some have less. Contact the lab you would like to use to see what they offer.

Video Gear

  • Camera
  • Green screen
  • Lights
  • Rode VideoMic

Audio Recording & Mixing

  • Microphone
  • Over-ear studio headphones
  • Analog mixer
  • Audacity editing software

Adobe Creative Cloud

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Premiere
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • and more

Flatbed Scanner

With attachments for slides and negatives

VHS to Digital Transfer

Transfer home videos from VHS into a digital format.

3D Printing

If you've created something (via a program like Tinkercad) or downloaded something someone else designed (via a service like Thingiverse) you can request that it be printed using one of our 3D printers.

To print something you will need:
  • A library card
  • If your object is larger than 190 mm (7.5 in) x 190 mm x 190 mm, call us to see if we can print it. Our machines have varying size capabilities.

Support Material Types: PLA and PVA

  • PLA is a hard plastic, the same plastic out of which we will make your item.
    • Pros: PLA weighs less, so it is less expensive.
    • Cons: PLA supports will have to be removed by hand by you, which may result in a rougher surface. It may be difficult to get them fully removed.
  • PVA is a clear and colorless material.
    • Pros: It will dissolve in warm water overnight, making it easy to remove all the supports.
    • Cons: This material weighs more and therefore may result in a more expensive final cost to you.
Cost

The charge for 3D printing is $.20 per gram. After you submit your file, library staff will send you an email with the cost and ask if you agree to the amount. When your confirmation is received, staff will proceed with your print job.

All print requests will be added to a queue and will be printed in the order in which they were received. Library staff will print all projects as quickly as possible based on staff time and availability. You will be notified when your object has been printed and is ready for pickup. Any object not picked up within 7 days will not be kept.

You can submit one request at a time. When your object is printed and you've been notified it is ready you may submit another request.

3D Printing Request Form

Submit your file for printing using the form below. You will receive a confirmation email from the library.

If there are any questions regarding your object, library staff may contact you.

Invalid Input

Please enter a valid HCPL Library card number.

Invalid Input

Please choose a Library for the 3D print job from the list.

Invalid Input

Invalid input or file size exceeds the maximum.

Please select a support material

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

You must accept the HCPL 3D Printing Policy to proceed with the file upload.

3D Printing Guidelines

The Digital Media Labs at the Fairfield, Libbie Mill, Tuckahoe, Twin Hickory, and Varina Libraries have a 3D printer. Customers may request objects be printed by library staff. Requests will be printed on a first come, first served basis as staff time allows.

The Library reserves the right to refuse printing of any content at any time at the discretion of Library staff. Examples of specific content that will not be printed include, but is not limited to content or objects:

  1. That are illegal or harmful to minors
  2. That may be construed as having intent to harm
  3. That may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of a third party

The Library cannot guarantee model quality, stability, confidentiality of designs or specific delivery times. The Library is not responsible for any damage, loss, or security of data arising from the use of its computers or equipment. By submitting content or objects, the Customer agrees to indemnify and hold the Library and the County of Henrico harmless in all matters related to patented, trademarked or copyrighted materials.

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