The Ferris Library of Information, Technology and Education offers a wide variety of equipment meant for students to use to help further their education. These resources include everything from laptops to record cleaning supplies, study rooms, and instructional studios.
A wide variety of equipment can be checked out from FLITE’s checkout desk. Starting with laptops, students can check out their choice of laptop for up to four hours of uninterrupted use in the FLITE library.
Students can check out either a Dell Latitude 3500 or 5520, running Windows 10 Enterprise, or a 13” MacBook Pro. If four hours isn’t enough time, FLITE does offer one renewal to extend use time to eight hours if no one is waiting for its return.
If checking out a computer feels like putting the cart before the horse, FLITE has you covered there too. Students can check out a range of audio and video production equipment for use in or outside the library.
FLITE offers a Panasonic HC-WX970 4K camcorder or a GoPro Hero+ for video recording accompanied by accessories like tripods, mounts, chargers, and batteries, although students must provide their own SD card. Borrowing periods may vary by device and season. Check with FLITE staff for the most up-to-date information.
If photography is your jam, FLITE has you covered too. Students can check out a Canon Powershot SX610HS digital camera for any of their photography needs. Students must provide their own SD cards like the previously mentioned video cameras. However, the camera comes with all other required accessories.
Audio producers, don’t worry; FLITE didn’t forget about you. FLITE offers students a wide range of audio production equipment for check out. Anything from a Fifine USB microphone to Audio Technica headphones, they’ve got you covered. They also offer other quality of life production equipment like headphone splitters and webcams for your computer-based video recording needs.
To round out rentals, students may also borrow RCA’s D4+ vinyl record cleaning kit. This kit includes a cleaning solution and two cleaning brushes to keep your vinyl looking good as new.
Students and faculty can rent out various rooms for studying or teaching, respectively. 49 student study rooms can accommodate anywhere from one to 10 people, and 14 instructional rooms are available with a vast array of technology at your fingertips.
In terms of student study rooms, FLITE offers nine single rooms, 18 two-person study rooms, and 25 study rooms that can accommodate three or more. One-person study rooms are perfect for a personal cram session, although their available features vary by room. Some do not have power outlets or whiteboards, so confer with a FLITE employee to find a space that suits your needs. Two-person study rooms are similarly appointed.
Study rooms that host three or more people can come appointed with whiteboards, TVs, conference-style seating, and extensive power connections.
Students may make reservations online by navigating to the “Reservations” tab on the FLITE library homepage. Any unused study rooms in the FLITE building can be occupied without a reservation but must be given up if a reservation holder appears.
Faculty can reserve multiple types of instructional rooms for all their teaching needs or try out some new techniques.
They offer everything from instructional studios, with computers at every student station, a document camera, and whiteboards, to the learn lab, offering four media:scape collaboration stations for students to more closely interact with their instructional material.
Also available is the communication lab, perfect for lectures and speeches. This room has two 55-inch displays, one affixed to the wall and the other on a rolling cart, a lecture podium, video and audio equipment, and wireless peripherals.
Finally, those interested in audio production can reserve the music and media room. This space is outfitted with a record player, computer, blue screen, and FLITE’s record collection. Any additional recording materials can be borrowed from the check-out desk as well.