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Audio Visual Center records

 Collection
Identifier: 00.AVC

Scope and Contents

The Audio Visual Center records are composed of materials related to the audiovisual services provided by the University Library and the Media Relations department. The date span of the material is from 1938, the year of the AV Center founding, to 2009, though the bulk of the material is dated 1971 to 1988. The Audio Visual Center records have been divided into two series: Administration and History and Contents and Materials. The Administration and history series includes clippings, correspondence, newsletters, and reports on the history and status of the AV Center and its resources. The Contents and materials series includes records relating to the educational materials maintained by the Audio Visual center. It includes resource guides for students and instructors, lists of new acquisitions, lists of materials, and catalogs of materials arranged by subject.

Dates

  • Creation: 1938 - 2009
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1971 - 1988

Conditions Governing Access

Open for research. Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to use through the University Archives.

Administrative History

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.

Extent

0.8 Linear Feet (2 archive boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

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. 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. The date span of the material ranged from the AV Center founding in 1938 to 2009, though the bulk of the material is dated from 1971 to 1988.

Arrangement of Materials

The Audio Visual Center records have been divided into two series: Administration and History and Contents and Materials. The Administration and history series includes clippings, correspondence, newsletters, and reports on the history and status of the AV Center and its resources. The Contents and materials series includes records relating to the educational materials maintained by the Audio Visual center. It includes resource guides for students and instructors, lists of new acquisitions, lists of materials, and catalogs of materials arranged by subject.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Several of the subject catalogs are on microfilm and will require a microfilm reader to view.

Related Materials

For materials related to the AVC connection to the University Library, see the following collection:

University Library records [00.UL]

https://aspace.emich.edu/repositories/2/resources/91

Title
Audio Visual Center records
Status
Completed
Author
Courtney Dornburg, Natalie Morath
Date
2012 January 12
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Eastern Michigan University Archives Repository

Contact:
Bruce T. Halle Library, Room 310
955 West Circle Drive
Ypsilanti Michigan 48197
734-487-2673