AJK Mass Communication Research Centre Infrastructure: Library, Labs & Other Facilities

Debasree Banerjee

Infrastructure facilities at the AJK Mass Communication Research Centre:

Production facilities:

• The AJK Mass Communication Research Centre is distinguished by its cutting-edge technical infrastructure and production facilities. There are two fully equipped HDTV studios for multi-camera productions, one studio for SD production with virtual set and an adequate number of DV cameras (PD-150, PD-170, Z1, DSR 570 and Panasonic DVX 100) with accessories for single camera shoots.
• Other production facilities include Final Cut Pro and Avid Adrenaline Media non-linear editing machines. Additionally, the students are taught on Film cameras (16SR-3), Steinbeck Film Editing machines, Digital Audio Work Stations, Graphics and Animation systems and Still Photography equipment.
• The MCRC constantly seeks to upgrade its production facilities in order to keep pace with the changing technological demands of the profession. The Centre is in the process of upgrading its production facilities with state of the art equipment by a special grant from the government.
• The students have access to the Multimedia Lab with 50 workstations loaded with software such as Quark Express, Final Cut Pro, ProTools, Photoshop and Corel Draw. There are dedicated and fully-equipped media laboratories for students of Animation, Photography, and Broadcast Technology.

Radio Jamia:

• As part of its social commitment to the area in which the University is located, AJK MCRC, runs a community radio station on 90.4 FM. Addressing itself to the residents of the Jamia area, RADIO JAMIA broadcasts programmes that serve to educate and enrich its listeners through addressing a wide range of socio-cultural issues.
• The programmes are produced by the students and faculty of the centre in collaboration with a diversity of groups and organisations in Delhi. In view of the exponential growth of radio in the country, Radio Jamia conducts internships for interested students of mass communication and related disciplines.

Media library:

• For the benefit of its students, the AJK MCRC runs a Media Library which has an expansive collection of books, journals, films, DVDs, video and audio cassettes along with an archive of stock shots and press clippings.
• Apart from the specialised focus of the Media Library at the centre, students of the AJK MCRC are also entitled to use the Dr Zakir Hussain Library of the University for their Wider Intellectual Interest.

Media Resource Centre:

• The James Beveridge Media Resource Centre (JB MRC) at the AJK MCRC was set up with a grant from the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), Mumbai. The MRC is devoted to archiving, research and theoretical studies with a special focus on Documentary Films and Asian Cinema. In order to engage with a wide range of contemporary works that deploy a diversity of narrative styles, the term documentary is defined expansively.
• It houses a comprehensive and curated collection of fiction, non-fiction and experimental films, journals, books, monographs and catalogues. Over a period of time, the MRC hopes to archive photographic collections, posters and other memorabilia associated with diverse documentary practices. The MRC also holds seminars, conferences, workshops, special screenings, public lectures.

Canteen:

• A separate canteen has been provided for students of the Centre. It serves, tea, coffee, cold drinks, snacks and lunches. Canteen charges must be paid for in cash at the time of purchase.