Media services at Eastern Michigan University began in 1938 and were a viable educational tool after WW II with the mass production of media and motion pictures. The first Media Services office was located in Room 3 of the library in Ford Hall. In 1949 the first courses in Audio Visual methods were offered at Michigan State Normal College, when President Munson requested Dr. Ralph Peterson, a math professor, to establish an Audio Visual Education Center. The Audio Visual Center was established as a part of the University Library in 1959. Richard Oltmanns was the director and Dr. Peterson taught AV methods full-time through the Education department. The Photographic and Illustration Services division offered material production such as overhead visuals, slides, original art work, flat pictures, dry mounting and lamination. From 1981-1983, the Audio Visual and Television Centers were reorganized into the Media Services Center, and physically remained in the University Library.

Today, these services have been divided and are provided by the University Library and Media Relations. The Library's audiovisual services include equipment rentals, on-site viewings, circulation, media reserves, printing, and a video production studio. Media Relations manages the University media and public relations needs, crisis communications, internal publications, and general communication needs, and maintains a staff photographer and videographer.