Meet the Staff: Academic Production

Hey y’all!

Every month the B. L. Fisher Library blog will be introducing different departments within our hallowed umbrella! We hope that our “Meet the Staff” helps you get to know the people, the tasks, and the resources behind each aspect of the library that is accessible to you!

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“Academic Production: Bringing Academics into Production!”

First up to the batting ring is our very own Academic Production department—though the name may sound unfamiliar/ mysterious/ celestial… you have probably seen these guys around (and maybe even been rescued once or twice by them). Dan Errico and Thomas Hickey make up the AP side of IDAP (Instructional Design and Academic Production), and I asked them a few questions to shed light on what they do, and on what they can do for you!

What’s the Top Priority for Academic Production? How do you go about achieving this Prime Directive [notable Star Trek reference… moving on]?

Dan: Man… We’re here to support faculty in creating course content and support the campus in producing academic events. That’s the mission statement, and it basically means we help facilitate both online content for courses and also the many events that happen on campus—making sure they run smoothly from a production standpoint. We’re actually well engrained into the life of the campus, helping make sure the overall mission of the Seminary is realized.

So, what’s a typical day at the office?

Thomas: [laughs] We enjoy having a good time. Who doesn’t enjoy having a good time? That’s kind of a stupid statement. [I pause to laugh] Well, it really depends on what we’ve got going on; Dan and I usually discuss the plan in the morning—could be supporting live events or recording in the studio [Yes, they have a freakin’ Studio, so cool]. Details vary, and there’s a lot of sitting at the desk editing videos. You know… we go out, and we come back in [Necessary Visual: like that scene in Finding Nemo—we go out, then we come back in. Then we go out, then we come back in. Then we go out… etc. :D]

Finally, what’s an interesting fact about yourself?

Dan: I don’t like questions like this [duly noted, still waited for answer]

I lived in Mexico for six months when I was young (around 11). MAZATLÁN, MEXICO—it’s a huge tourist town and it’s on the beach, but you experience the poverty of the city the more inland you go.

Thomas: These questions are always hard because I don’t know if I’m fascinating…. What can I do? I can’t do anything super physical. I just am not… I don’t have—that ability… Um, I like making song parodies—I often find myself singing parodied Christmas songs to my dogs… most of my parodies are about my dogs.

Bottom Line:

Though the guys were interviewed separately (obviously to keep their answers uncorrupted) they both affirmed strongly that Academic Production is here to help!! Their email and extension are always available to you, and if you ever find yourself in need of audio/video help, faculty assistance, or Star Wars references (seriously, all the Star Wars references)- THESE. ARE THE GUYS. TO CALL.

Email: academic.production@asburyseminary.edu

Phone Number: (859) 858-2324

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this first installment of “Meet the Staff,” and I look forward to seeing you next month when I interview the Writing Center Staff! Until then, happy hunting at your friendly neighborhood library!