The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries will welcome a new digital audio studio this fall thanks to an award from Amigos Library Services, one of the nation's largest library resource-sharing networks and a provider of information technology to libraries.

The Digital Audio Experience Studio will provide performing arts technologies for recording and mixing music and audio to all students, regardless of major or classification. Proposed equipment includes musical keyboards, microphones, vocal headphone microphones and computers.

Possible use of the studio ranges from production of podcasts and recording oral histories to perfecting voiceover work.

"This will be an innovative and creative new space for experiential learning," said Rebecca Bichel, dean of UT Arlington Libraries. "Initiatives like this will make a difference in students' lives, both on campus and after they graduate.

" The studio is part of the Library's continuing commitment to transformational learning on campus, first realized with the opening of the UT Arlington FabLab in fall 2014.

Amigos Library Services said it chose to partner with UT Arlington Libraries because of the project's broad impact on the campus and community, and the University's innovative approach to library services.

"The Amigos tagline used to be 'innovation through resource sharing,'" said Tracy Byerly, the organization's chief communication, education, and membership officer. "This project hit on all those points. Now we say: 'Uniting libraries for action and strength,' and this project has a lot of action in it.

" Bichel said the digital audio studio would allow UT Arlington Libraries to establish another unique learning space and "help increase the employability and competitive edge of our students." Building on that goal, the Central Library plans for the Digital Audio Experience Studio to be the first in a series of studios focusing on specific technologies.

"Our goal is to democratize access to specialized equipment, enabling students, faculty, and staff to engage in creative and interdisciplinary projects using technologies that are currently out of reach for most individuals," Bichel said.