Verso Studios
The media studio suite located within the Library shall be referred to as Verso Studios and consists of The Forum, Audio Control Room, Video Control Room, Post-Production Suite, Mobile Podcast Station, the Makerspace, and other creative program spaces. Verso Studios is not a legal entity independent of the Library.
Training
Verso Studios offers free and low-cost media training sessions and workshops to provide access to all. The media training schedule for prospective users is available on the Verso website or by contacting [email protected].
Experienced Users
Experienced users, such as local professionals, are eligible to bypass required training by proving proficiency for each desired Verso Studios facility through an interview with the appropriate Manager. The Library is the final determinant of whether a User is proficient. Contact [email protected] or call 203-291-4828 for pre-certification.
Code of Conduct
Users are prohibited from using Verso Studios equipment in any manner that interferes with Library services and operations, or which may constitute a threat to the safety of people or property.
All users and their associates must comply with The Westport Library Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with the general rules and regulations listed in the Code of Conduct may result in revocation of Verso Studios access and privileges, and you may be asked to leave the Library.
All spaces must be used for the purpose for which they are intended. All work in the post-production suite should be of a production-related nature, and only people involved in the production process should be in the studio. Please be mindful of other users in the post-production suite.
Please be careful when eating and drinking in the post-production space, as you will be liable for any damage that may be caused to the equipment resulting from a mishap.
Out of respect for other users, leave the spaces the way you found them. Discard any trash and remove all your personal belongings. Users are required to pay a $50 fee should they fail to clean and restore the reserved space to its original condition by the end of their reserved time.
Age Policy
Users under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian co-sign the required User Agreement and they may have limited access to Verso Studios resources.
Reservations
A reservation is required for use of the post-production studio. Follow this link to reserve your spot Book a Room | The Westport Library or go to the Library scheduling system by clicking the scheduling icon on the main page of The Westport Library website.
For Podcasting or use of the SSL room contact [email protected]; for Video usage contact [email protected].; for general enquiries contact [email protected]
Fees
Post-production suite:
Commercial is defined as a for-profit venture promoting goods and/or services, providing a significant profit.
Education is defined as any project associated with a learning institution or instructive learning exercise.
Arts is defined as any project within or supporting the artistic realm (i.e., video, podcast, music).
Nonprofit is defined as an agency, group, or individual with 501C3 status, or an endeavor that does not provide a significant profit or sustainable, supportive income.
Westport residents; all arts, nonprofits, educators (individuals/organizations):
- 4-hour daily blocks free, limited to 12 hours per week
- Additional time $25/hour
Commercial Users:
- $50/hour
Recording studio
Visit the Verso Studios website or contact [email protected]
Forum, Komansky Room and other Verso Spaces
Call 203-291-4828 or email [email protected]
Fees will be determined based on Users’ specific needs.
Entry and Departure
Users must present themselves with valid proof of identification at the Patron Services Desk prior to their reserved time. Setup and breakdown times are considered part of the scheduled time slot and must not exceed the reservation time.
Personal Equipment and Data
Verso Studios highly recommends the usage of external hard drives when working in the production suite. All locally stored files are deleted on a weekly basis.
The Library is not responsible for: (a) the loss, theft, copying, deletion, or damage of the Users’ personal data; and/or (b) the storage, organization, or long-term management of any such data. The Library may, at its sole discretion, reformat, restore, clean, update, or otherwise wipe drives, desktops, and other local elements or devices. Automated updates may also be scheduled that can cause member-generated media to be eliminated from a device, card, flash drive, hard drive, or workstation. Similarly, the Library is not responsible for the Users’ personal property.
Security
The Library has installed security mechanisms to optimize the security of its data, software, and hardware. No software from any source may be downloaded or installed on any equipment without the Library’s prior consent. Users that attempt to defeat Library security will be liable to the Library for monetary damages and your access will be terminated.
Damaged or Stolen Equipment
If Verso Studios equipment is damaged, lost, or stolen during a User’s reservation or while checked out to a User, the User will be liable for any loss or damages, whether caused by that User or a third party. In addition to the right to suspend Library privileges, the Library may initiate litigation to ensure repayment.
THIS IS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND AGREE THAT I WILL BE BOUND BY THE WESTPORT LIBRARY MEDIA STUDIO PROCEDURES.
NAME: __________________________
SIGNED __________________________
E-MAIL _____________________________
PHONE__________________________ (cell)
DATE___________________________
