How does it work?

The Studios have software for sound editing, sound recording, podcasting, video editing, motion graphics, compositing and livestreaming. If you are trying to learn a new software, the lab provides the following resources:

• Tutorials built directly into the software (Adobe CC)
• A small in-house collection of instructional books.
• A curated list of developer support pages.
• Access to web resources/tutorials/videos. Web browsing is limited to instructional research only. Ask staff for details. Patrons interested in general internet browsing may reserve internet time throughout the Los Angeles Public Library system.
• Lab instructional videos on using Octavia Lab equipment.

Interested lab members may request additional information prior to their visit by emailing us at octavialab@lapl.org.

How much does it cost?

Access to the iMacs and their software is absolutely free. Access to the lab’s software/equipment/tools is limited to lab members only. Lab membership is free. Some projects such as podcasting and livestreaming may require services not provided by the Octavia Lab, such as hosting. These services may have additional fees.

What do I need to bring?

It is recommended that lab members bring a storage device to save their projects. All lab computer hard drives are wiped between each session to ensure patron privacy. The size of the storage device you bring is up to you. Most lab projects will fit on a standard flash drive. Be advised that most video, and motion graphics projects may require a large capacity external hard drive. If you intend to record multi-track audio using the PodTrak mixing board, you will be required to bring your own SD card. If you do bring your own storage device, please make sure that it is formatted properly. If you have any questions regarding which drive formatting will work best for your project, please contact the lab.

If you intend to work on an audio or video project, we ask that you bring your own headphones. There is a lot of ambient sound in the lab that may make it difficult to properly work on projects with audio components. The lab does not lend or sell headphones.