We can help with many different kinds of multimedia projects from start to finish, including planning, outlining or storyboarding, and editing various projects:

• Video projects
• Audio projects
• Presentation skills (PowerPoint, Keynote, or Prezi)
• Graphic design projects (using Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign)
• Web design (including blogs, wikis, or HTML editing in Dreamweaver)

We take the same approach to multimedia that we take with writing: we want to help you learn how to work comfortably and competently with the multimedia software you're using. We never do the work for you, but instead, teach you how to succeed.

There are two main ways that a Consultant can help with your multimedia project.

First, if you're not sure how to get started on your project, you can make an appointment or just walk-in and work directly with a Consultant from the beginning of your project. The Consultant will help you decide what software and equipment you'll need and how to use it. The Consultant can also give you feedback on how to improve your project or brainstorm ideas to get started.

However, if you feel comfortable getting started on your own, you can work on your project independently in the WML until you find that you have a question or come across something you're not sure how to do. Then you can ask one of the Consultants on duty to help you out.

We have a long list of software available! While our computers are physically Apple computers, you can log in to either Windows or OS X depending on your project and preference. Some software is specific to either Windows or OS X.

Some of the programs you can use in the Writing & Media Lab include:

While our primary mission is academic, we are always happy to help with non-academic and personal projects. If you're not sure if we can help, please ask!

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer phone consultations. Consultants cannot spend more than three minutes assisting you on the phone. If the Consultant believes that you will require more assistance, or if the call extends past three minutes, the Consultant will invite you to come down to the Writing & Media Lab for one-on-one assistance.​

Yes! Please reserve computers the same way you make an appointment. Computer reservations are for 2 hours at a time, and may not be made back-to-back. Please leave at least 2 hours between reservations so we can help as many students as possible.

If you need more than 2 hours, and no one else needs the computer, you may continue working so long as there are no other reservations.

As long as no one else has reserved the computer you need to use, you may log on and use it. If another student has a reservation for a piece of equipment that you are using, we may ask you to stop using it so we can honor the reservation. We will always do our best to inform you ahead of time of any pending reservations!

The Writing & Media Lab computers have a hard drive labeled​ "Thawspace" that is a safe place to store projects while you're working on them in the WML. The Thawspace is specific to each computer, and is not shared on the network. If you start a project on Computer 1, then you will need to come back to Computer 1 to continue working.

You may also bring your own storage media, such as a USB drive or external hard drive. However, please consult with a WML Consultant before starting video editing projects on a USB drive or an external hard drive. There are some pros and cons that we can go over with you so you can make an informed decision about your project.

No; please save your work, close all programs, and log off of the computers when you must leave the lab for more than a few minutes. This helps make sure your project doesn't get deleted or damaged, and helps us assist as many students as possible with multimedia projects.

Special note: video projects often need to render or export before they can be burned to a DVD or uploaded to YouTube. This process can take some time, and all you can do is wait for the computer to finish. We ask that you stay with the computer during processes like this and plan ahead to spend an additional half an hour with your video project beyond when you think you will be done editing.

Students who are not paid employees of the Writing & Media Lab are not allowed to work in the Writing & Media Lab beyond our advertised hours of operation. The WML Consultants are not allowed to make exceptions to this rule.

Please plan ahead for working on your project, and use our online appointment system to reserve equipment or schedule a consultation with a Consultant.

No, the Writing & Media Lab is not a production facility. Our printer is only for printing small quantities of paper. If you need to print in bulk, you can visit the Post & Print Express (P2X) in the Trone Student Center.

The printer is for Writing & Media Lab needs as well as for academic-related work, but not for multiple copies of fliers, handouts, downloaded e-books, printouts of website, etc.

If you need to make a DVD or CD, please bring your own recordable media. We are not able to provide blank DVDs or CDs to every student who comes to the Writing & Media Lab! We can help you burn up to 4 copies of your own DVD or CD that you have authored yourself.

The Writing & Media Lab supports Furman's Information & Technology Services policies on copyright and file sharing. The WML computers may not be used for P2P file sharing or unlawful reproduction of any kind (including making digital copies of copyrighted DVDs or VHS tapes).

If you have questions about copyright, please contact the Furman Library's Copyright Resource Office.