Multimedia PC and Macintosh workstations are available in the Technology Commons on the 2nd floor of the UCSF Library (CL240), and in the Multipurpose Media Room (CL247). For information on location, hours, and access polices, check the Technology Commons web page.

Using the software and hardware installed on the multimedia workstations, users can perform tasks including:

• Edit and compress audio or video for distribution on the CLE, Podcasts@UCSF, DVD, YouTube, or elsewhere
• Digitize video from a variety of source materials including VHS, DVD, or miniDV
• Transfer VHS cassettes to DVD
• Digitize audio from cassette tapes
• Scan slides or film in high resolution
• Scan radiographs and other oversized and/or transparent documents
• Create narrated versions of PowerPoint presentations

View the Multimedia Workstations: Getting Started guide for more detailed information about the hardware and software available on each of these workstations. 

Multipurpose Media Room

In addition to the multimedia workstations in the Technology Commons, Learning Technologies staff also manage two workstations in the Multipurpose Media Room. This room is most appropriate for projects that cannot be completed in the Technology Commons space, such as recording narration, working with protected health information, or collaborating with a group on a video or audio project.

Reserving Multimedia Workstations

Multimedia PC and Macintosh workstations available in the Technology Commons (CL240) and in the Multipurpose Media Room (CL247) may be reserved by UCSF-affiliated users. Priority is given to users requiring access to specialized multimedia hardware and software only available on these workstations.

For a full list of reservation guidelines, please visit our easy-to-use online reservation system:

Reserve a Workstation

Accessing Multimedia Workstations

Users who plan to use the multimedia workstations should be aware of the following policies and procedures:

• Users must bring their UCSF ID badge in order to access the Technology Commons after business hours. All UCSF faculty, staff and students have access to the multimedia workstations.
• The multimedia workstations require users to log in with their Active Directory accounts. When a user logs into a workstation for the first time, a personal folder is created where the user can store working files. This folder is bound to that Active Directory account (on that workstation) and can only be accessed by that user. A Shared directory is also available for collaborative projects. After log out, a user's files are not deleted; files saved to a user's personal folder will be deleted 30 days after that user's last login, and files stored in the Shared directory are deleted after 7 days.
• Users should strongly consider using an external hard drive to save their working files. The multimedia workstations are not backed up, and the Library is not responsible for any data loss due to equipment failures. Projects that contain sensitive information such as protected health information (PHI) should not be stored on the multimedia workstations.
• Because the multimedia workstations are in an open environment, users who wish to develop videos and other multimedia content that contain protected health information should consider using the more private Multipurpose Media Room.
• Learning Technologies staff are available to provide assistance with the Multimedia Workstations on a drop-in basis during business hours (8:30am-5pm, M-F). To ensure staff availability for in-depth consultations or support, users may also contact Learning Technologies staff in advance to schedule an appointment.