Camera equipment booking policies

These policies are regarding any camera equipment (cameras, tripods, lavalier mics) which can be booked to leave the Centre. Camera equipment held within the Media Production Studio has a separate set of policies.

• All equipment bookings require approval from staff.
• Request equipment bookings at least 24 hours in advance (for weekend and Monday bookings, book by Friday morning).
• Last minute booking requests are not permitted.
• Bookings are limited to one (1) camera, one (1) lavalier (lapel) mic, and one (1) tripod at a time.
• Bookings are 48 hours or less, with one day minimum between bookings.
  • Check your confirmation email for full details.
  • Equipment is not booked unless you receive a confirmation email

Things to remember for returning equipment

• Recharge the camera before returning it.
• Remember to grab your files from the camera's SD card before returning it.
• Ensure all pieces are present in the carrying cases before returning equipment.
• Anyone can return the equipment.
• All equipment should be returned to the Lyons Service Desk. Returning to the Library Services Desk on the first floor of mills is a last resort only.
• Be prompt in returning equipment.
• Report any broken equipment immediately to the Manager.

Other information

• Cameras have one SD card. Lyons does not provide additional or larger SD cards for use with our camera equipment.
  • The responsibility to provide additional storage falls upon the borrower.
  • Another option is to film at a lower quality to fit more on the provided SD card.
  • Yet another option is to pause filming when the SD card fills up & transfer your footage to a computer or other external media, then wiping the SD card to film more.

Media spaces - general policies

• No eating/drinking is permitted in the media rooms.
• You will need your MacID & password to book a resource. You will also need your valid McMaster ID card to check out these resources from Lyons.
• A "no show" for rooms after 15 minutes of the booking time will result in the loss of your complete booking. It will be deleted so that others can book the resource.
• Bookings for all rooms in Lyons are 2 hours per day per group max.
• Keys to rooms, equipment and games can be checked out at the Services Desk in Lyons.
• All rooms close 30 minutes prior to the Centre closing.

Maximum capacities

Maximum capacities for each media space:

• Media Production Studio: 6 people
• Small Audio Recording Booth: 1 person, standing only
• Large Audio Recording Booth: 2 people
• Podcast Studio: TBD
• VR Room L415: 2 people

• This space's bookings require approval from staff.
• Request studio bookings at least 24 hours in advance (for weekend and Monday bookings, book by Friday morning).
• Last minute booking requests are not permitted.
• When booking the Media Production Studio, please note the equipment you wish to use in the “Accessories” list. Failure to do so slows down the review process.
• All equipment from the Media Production Studio must stay in the studio room, no exceptions.

• Bookings can be made up to five minutes prior to needing an audio recording space.
• Bookings are a maximum of 2 hours per day per group/individual.
• Be kind to all equipment and their cables - cables in particular are fragile and prone to breakage, so please do not crimp/fold or pull hard on the cords. We do not have immediate replacements, so a broken cable means that equipment will be out of circulation until a replacement arrives.
• Return all equipment/keys at the end of your booking.
• Be prompt in vacating the booth/room.
• Booths are close to but not 100% soundproof because of the glass doors, so be mindful of others recording while you move through and utilize this space.

Virtual reality coming soon - launching after mid-term break!