Guideline UL-ADG03 Use of Foster Auditorium (Paterno Library)

Main Policy Content

Contents:

  • Purpose

  • Facilities

  • Recording and/or Broadcasting

  • Room Reserver/Library Sponsor Responsibilities

  • Link to reserve the room

  • Tips for filling out the reservation form

  • Related rooms

  • Advertising and promotion

  • Supporting Documents

PURPOSE:

Foster Auditorium is the University Libraries’ primary event space in support of its mission of learning, teaching, and research. Penn State University Libraries has a steadfast commitment to diversity and providing a safe environment for all in the Libraries’ many locations. Libraries are safe havens at Penn State and everywhere. Our facilities and our services firmly underscore our commitment to safety, security, and a welcoming space for all. Penn State is an institution of higher education, and fully supports the right of free speech and encourages its expression in thoughtful and respectful ways, even when we strongly disagree with the opinions expressed. But the First Amendment does not require our University to risk imminent violence. Foster is not an entertainment venue. 

Foster may only be reserved by Libraries faculty and staff. Groups external to the Libraries need to obtain a sponsorship from a Libraries liaison who must be present during the duration of the event. Reservation requests received for groups external to the Libraries will not be approved more than three months in advance. 

FACILITIES:

Seating: 127 fixed lecture hall seating with folding desks, outlets, and USB ports. Maximum capacity is 140 based on fire code restrictions, which includes non-seated presenters and individuals in wheelchairs. 

Podium (hardwired and fixed in place):

  • desktop computer with 2 monitors
  • Laptop Hookup - VGA, USB-C and HDMI
  • Solstice
  • document camera
  • laser pointer
  • slide advance
  • VCR
  • DVD

Projection:

Single (15’ x 8’) or dual (12’ x 8’) projection. Use of copyrighted material must comply with U.S. copyright law. For more information, http://copyright.psu.edu/.

Microphones:

  • 4 handheld microphones
  • 2 lavaliers
  • microphone stands: 4 table stands, one podium stand, 2 tall stands

Presenter furniture:

  • 3 folding tables
  • 11 stacked chairs
  • 3 tall stools

Lighting:

  • Adjustable - controls and instruction card are in the podium

Technology:

  • Software Microsoft Office Suite, web access, WIFI, Phone, Zoom

Accessibility:

  • The Libraries Accessibility Committee can provide information, but it is the responsibility of the group to make accommodations.

RECORDING:

Foster Auditorium is equipped to record meetings using Zoom. To use the camera in the space, the Zoom room must be hosted from the Podium computer.

ROOM RESERVER / LIBRARY SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • must be present at the event or designate a Libraries’ representative to attend in their place 

  • must comply with the purpose and values listed above 

  • responsible for turning away event attendees once the maximum capacity is reached. If the maximum capacity is exceeded, the ability to reserve the room will be taken away 

  • responsible for making sure the room is locked at the end of the event (staff at the Welcome Desk can lock the door for you) 

  • responsible for room set up; if additional furniture is required, the reserver is responsible for communicating their needs with Libraries Facilities 

  • if the room is no longer needed for an event, you are responsible for communicating cancellations through the25Live interface and to appropriate Libraries offices 

  • if your event is cancelled last minute, please notify the East Welcome Desk at (814)865-0068, so they can direct patrons appropriately 

Absolutely no food or drink allowed in Foster with the exception of speaker water bottles. 

Click to request a reservation (tips to fill out the form below) - Requests require at least seven business days notice, there is no guarantee for a reservation.

TIPS FOR FILLING OUT THE FORM:

Event Types to be used to for reservation request form:

  • Academic support (library related instruction)

  • Movie / Film

  • Interviews

  • Lecture / Keynote / Forum

  • Meeting

  • Orientation

  • Training / Workshop

  • Worship Service

Sponsoring Organization:

For most events, the sponsoring organization will be “UP - Dept - University Libraries”.

Setting your event time:

All events will be scheduled with 30 minutes between events.

Possible Categories for Events:

  • Campus - University Park
  • Open to the Public

RELATED ROOMS:

Mann Assembly Room (only reservable through a Libraries’ faculty sponsor)

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION:

All promotional content needs to be approved by Libraries’ Public Relations and Marketing (PRaM) department no less than two weeks in advance. PRaM does not provide support services for groups external to the Libraries that may request use of this space but not involve the Libraries actively in their events. 

Advertising for events for which PRaM is not providing support services: 

  • You can bring your own poster stands and signs which can be displayed outside of Foster entrances only for the duration of the event and one hour beforehand with prior two-weeks-in-advance approval by PRaM. Event information (title, date, time) provided through the 25Live reservation form above will display on Libraries digital screens at Pattee Library and Paterno Library’s Curtin Road entrance near Foster Auditorium and the Collaboration Commons entrance. Upcoming events are listed in chronological order. 

Advertising for Libraries-sponsored events: 

Instruction events: 

  • One 8.5'' x 11'' sign, listing the course number, professor, name, room, and times may be posted in acrylic sign holders at the East Entrance Welcome Desk (sign holder is kept at the desk). Signs taped to the doors of Foster will be removed. 

Note: Posters that do not fit the criteria will be removed by Libraries staff. Any damages to University Libraries property will be charged to room reserves, and ability to reserve the room will be taken away. 

 

Effective Date: August 2004
Date Approved: August 27, 2004 (Dean)

Revision History (and effective dates):

  • July 11, 2023 - Updated available technology.
  • June 9, 2023 - Removed reference to Media Site Live.
  • June 13, 2022 - Guideline revised
  • April 2, 2018 – Guideline revised
  • February 2, 2015 – Capacity revised
  • August 27, 2004 – Revised guidelines
  • July 29, 2003 – Revised guidelines
  • September 17, 2000 – Interim guidelines

Last Review Date:  June 2022