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CONTENTS


1.Introduction
2.Standards
3.Local application of standards
4.Service standards
5.Conclusions 6.Bibliography
Tables

Appendices
A: Brunel Media Services AV Survey 1997
B: Draft Performance Standards for AV Services
C: Service Level Agreement between BMS and Conference Office
D: Summary List of Standards


Case Studies

Defining and Implementing Standards for Lecture Room Services

Appendix D: Summary List of Standards


Physical and technical standards

1. The essential distinguishing characteristics of lecture rooms are summarised in the following categories:

Category 1 Room with fixed seating and projection booth

Category 2 Room with fixed seating without a projection booth

Category 3 Room with unfixed seating [2.3.12]

2. For members of the audience to be able to view clearly, they should be seated within a 45o angle of the centre line of the screen. [2.3.1]

3. The bottom of the screen must be at least 1.2 metres above floor level. [2.3.4]

4. Maximum height of the screen depends on the height of the ceiling, seating area and the position of any suspended structures that may obstruct viewing or projection. [2.3.6]

5. Proportional distances and screen sizes in relation to distance V, i.e. the screen to the back row, are:

(I) The minimum distance between the screen and front row is V/4. [2.3.5]

(ii) The maximum length of the front row of seats is V/2. [2.3.5]

(iii) The minimum diagonal screen size for video display is V/10. [2.4.1]

(iv) The minimum diagonal screen size for data display is V/6. [2.4.1]

6. There must be separate control of lighting for the audience and the screen [2.3.7] spaces.

7. Lighting controls must be convenient and simple to operate. [2.3.7]

8. It should be possible to achieve almost total exclusion of daylight. [2.3.7]

9. Reverberation time experienced in a lecture room should be in the region of one second. [2.5.3]

10. High quality separate audio amplification should be used in lecture rooms seating 40 or more people with sufficient power rating to deliver undistorted sound at a typical operating level appropriate to the room. [2.5.4]

11. Separate audio amplification systems must include a multiple microphone facility, normally via a cable, offering a suitable choice of operating modes. [2.5.6]

12. Any lecture room audio system should include a suitable line level output facility for the purposes of recording lectures or onward transmission. [2.5.7]

13. All audio installations should include an induction loop system so that hearing aid users can receive the entire range of audio sources available on the system via their 'T' setting. [2.5.8]

14. Chalk boards must not be used where there is also use and storage of any equipment containing electronic circuits, lenses or viewing screens. [2.6.1]

15. Data displays must incorporate suitable electronic interfaces to enable spontaneous enhancement of and interaction with any multimedia display. [2.6.3]


Service standards

16. The benchmark for achieving delivery of support services for prearranged events is 100% and this has priority when planning service management strategies. A clear statement must be produced specifying conditions under which this target is to be met and performance monitoring must record information on level of compliance by all parties. [4.4.2]

17. Each lecture room must have a clearly defined and widely published and understood support system. [4.3.2]

18. There must be a high level of communication between those scheduling events and those delivering lecture room services with shared access by all service providers to a comprehensive lecture room database. [4.4.3]

19. An adequate system must be in place for ensuring lectures can be effectively supported throughout lecture room usage hours. An adequate system must be in place for ensuring lectures can be effectively supported throughout lecture room usage hours. [4.4.7]

20. Lecture room support staff are required to have a comprehensive and continually developing range of competencies. Effective systems must be implemented to ensure support staff can fully participate in this process both as trainees and trainers. [4.5.5]

21. Presentation formats and digital codecs must be widely available to the consumer before adopting them in HEIs. [4.6.7]

22. There must be an effective and convenient service operation that provides a core range of format and file conversion operations. [4.6.7]

23. There must be a system for routine cleaning and inspection that includes checking for electrical safety. [4.6.9]

24. There must be effective liaison with reputable contractors, normally recommended by regional purchasing consortia, to ensure effective delivery of remedial services. [4.6.9]

25. Stock levels must be sufficient to offer reserve equipment in case of failure to a level that is fit for purpose. [4.6.9]


Keith Buckman
23 April 1998

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