The Story Studio
Roesch Library's Story Studio offers recording equipment - both onsite and available for check-out - as well as editing software. Learn more at https://libguides.udayton.edu/storystudio
Digital Pedagogy Librarian
Digital Storytelling with Audio & Video
Digital stories told through video combine imagery and audio to construct a narrative and share information. This is short-form content - the typical video created for digital storytelling should be no longer than 5 minutes - however, a great deal of work goes into the planning, research, structuring, and production of a digital story.
Thinking About Production Quality
The production quality of audio and video digital stories ranges from basic (video captured with smartphones or recorded over Zoom) to professional (think NPR- and PBS- style shorts). Don't be intimidated, though. Many impactful stories are available through mediums as accessible as TikTok and YouTube - and you likely have access to the equipment you need to get started already.
| Equipment Type | Basic Production Quality | Higher Production Quality |
| Video Camera |
Smartphone Camera Laptop Camera |
Digital Camera* Studio Camera |
| Microphone |
Smartphone or Laptop Microphone External microphone (USB or Bluetooth)* |
Studio microphone* Windshield* |
| Tripod |
Cell phone accessories |
Gimbal Grip* Camera Tripod* |
| Lights |
Ring Light Lamps & dimmable lighting |
LED lighting* Studio lighting* |
| Editing Software |
Camtasia* Audacity* iMovie* Canva |
Adobe Suite* |
*available at Roesch Library
Recommended Tools: Recording Audio and Video
Recording with Cameras & Microphones
- Recording Booth in the Story StudioLocated on the second floor of Roesch Library, the recording studio is a streamlined media production studio for recording video projects. All you need is a USB flash drive to get started.
- Roesch Library's Podcasting KitsPodcasting kits with microphones, stands, headphones, mixers, and storage may be borrowed from Roesch Library by UD students, faculty, and staff.
- Roesch Library's Vlogging KitsVlogging kits with cameras, microphones, and lighting equipment may be borrowed from Roesch Library by UD students, faculty, and staff.
Recording with Your Laptop
- AudacityAudacity is a free software for recording and editing audio. It can be downloaded as a desktop app on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
- CamtasiaCamtasia is a screen recorder and video-editing tool that can be used on Windows and Mac. You can use it to record and edit new audio and videos or to edit existing ones
- CanvaCanva is an online tool which allows you to create all manner of digital products - including presentations and video - and has tools for recording your narration over a presentation with or without the camera on. Canva accounts are free, though some design tools may be unavailable without a paid account.
- ZoomZoom allows you to record videos of yourself presenting and discussing content directly from your computer. This guide from George Washington University provides instructions for getting started.
Editing Tools
- Adobe SuiteAdobe products are excellent for editing audio and video. These are not free tools, but are available on some campus computers.
- CamtasiaCamtasia is a screen recorder and video-editing tool that can be used on Windows and Mac. You can use it to record and edit new audio and videos or to edit existing ones
- Editing Station in Roesch LibraryLocated in the Story Studio, the Editing Station provides computers equipped with Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, Audacity and other video post production editing tools.
- iMovieiMovie allows you to create videos by editing media together, and also allows you to edit existing videos. It is a free application on Mac OS computers.
Publishing Tools
Sample Projects
- Immigration History Research CenterThe official YouTube Channel for the Immigration History Research Center at the University of Minnesota. Updated regularly with digital stories shared with our Immigrant Stories digital storytelling project.
- Making HistoryA variety of videos from undergraduate students studying the Making Histories course at Monash University.
- StoryCenter"At StoryCenter, we promote healing, growth, and social change by creating spaces for listening to and sharing stories. We believe that storytelling inspires connection and action, and we are committed to helping people from all walks of life use the power of their own voices and experiences to build a just and healthy world."
Instructional Resources
- Starting Your Podcast: A Guide for StudentsFrom NPR's Special Series: Student Podcast Challenge.
- Resources for Teachers and StudentsFrom New York Times's 6th Annual Student Podcast Contest. Activate your student access to the NYT.
- Digital Video and StorytellingFrom the UNC Libraries, a page discussing the literacy aspects of digital storytelling through video
- Podcasting and Audio Storytelling"This guide is intended as a primer on podcasting as a narrative medium. It includes...third party resources related to podcasting and audio production, as well as introductory coverage of many topics related to planning, creating, and distributing your first podcast." From University of Michigan Library Research Guides.
