File f10 - The Library for the 21st Century: Location and Design Selection

Queen’s Television Department (QTV), currently under the purview of Information Technology Services (ITS), was originally located at west campus, in McArthur Hall, and was the centre for Queen’s University’s television, video and related needs. With a library of 5,000 U-matic videotapes, 16mm films, and some VHS videotapes maintained for departmental use, QTV had an extensive listing of material from a wide variety of clubs, departments and faculties at Queen’s University. These programs were often available on loan for instructional and teaching purposes. QTV provided a full spectrum of production services from script-writing to multiple VHS release copies and provided television/video consultation for: system designs, equipment purchases, conference requirements, etc. They also had a small viewing room that could be reserved to preview videotapes and a repair service for most television cameras, VCRs and TVs. Production facilities included portable broadcast quality “U-matic SP” electronic field production equipment for videotaping at any location, as well as a professionally equipped studio. Post-production facilities also included a “U-matic SP” edit suite with freeze-frame capabilities, computer graphics and titles, and a special effects switcher. Another service QTV provided was the ordering and distribution of films and videos from external sources. Some sources included: the NFB, CBC, BBC, TVO, other Ontario universities and commercial Canadian film distributors.