Media Resource Center

We are reminded in the General Directory for Catechesis that “The first areopagus of the modern age is the world of communication, which is unifying humanity… The means of social communication have become so important as to be for many the chief means of information and education, of guidance and inspiration in their behavior as individuals, families and within society at large.” For this reason, in addition to the numerous traditional means in use, the media has become essential for evangelization and catechesis. In fact, “the Church would feel herself guilty before God if she did not avail of those powerful instruments which human skill is constantly developing and perfecting…In them she finds in a new and more effective forum a platform or pulpit from which she can address the multitudes.”

In this respect, the following can be considered: television, radio, press, discs, tape recordings, video and audio cassettes, compact discs, as well as the entire range of audio-visual aids. All of these media offer a particular service and everybody will have his own specific use for them. It is therefore necessary to appreciate their importance and to respect their demands. In every well planned catechesis, such aids cannot be absent. (GDC #160)

Media has become one of the most effective tools in catechesis, yet it must be used carefully and should connect the lesson with the faith experience. The Media Resource Center assists all in fostering growth in the Faith.

It is the goal of the Media Resource Center to maintain a lending library of quality media on a variety of religious education topics for all levels of catechetical programs in the parishes and Catholic schools in the Diocese of Columbus

Catalog

A media catalog on CD is available and new media updates are provided upon request. The catalog lists the number, name, producer, length, appropriate age group, and a short description of each audiovisual. The catalog includes both a topical and an alphabetical index.

Reservations

All audiovisuals are reserved for a specific date and are to be returned by a specific date. Reservations are made, as much as possible, to accommodate everyone. Return videos on time. Another user may have them scheduled and have developed a program/class around them. If an item is needed for a longer period of time, call. If at all possible, we will extend the time.

Requests for audiovisual materials may be made in the following ways:

Ø by phone on the 24 hour media line (614-221-4633 ext. 319 or 1-800-688-4641)

Ø by e-mail to www.cdeducation.org/avmedia/request.html

Ø by fax: 614-241-2563

Ø by mail: Office of Religious Education and Catechesis, attn: Media Requests,

197 East Gay Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Ø by including the request when you return a video

Confirmation of all orders is usually received within one business day. If you do not receive confirmation of your order in that time frame, please call us. Sometimes the fax doesn’t come through or the voice mail is lost. We want to meet your needs

Processing/Delivery of Requests

Please allow two business days before pickup date to process requests. Allow additional time if the order is to be sent by Priority Mail.

Ø Those picking up or returning media can do so at the Media Resource Center in the Catholic Center, 197 E. Gay St., 3^rd Floor. Building hours are from 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Media is usually put on the table just to the left of the elevators as you exit on the 3^rd Floor. Please do not leave videos with the first floor receptionist. This is against building policy.

Ø All packages are sent through the US Postal Service. The cost to mail to the parish/school will not be charged to parishes due to the generosity of the Knights of Columbus. Each parish/school will be responsible for shipping the packages back to our office by the due date. This should result in a savings for you. Many parishes/schools across the diocese have members who work in the downtown area of Columbus. In agreeing to pick up and return media for the parish, this service can be seen as one of your parish ministries.

Please allow 3-5 days for Post Office delivery.

Usage of Videos/DVDs

Ø Rewind videos before returning and check to ensure that video and video case match. It can be frustrating to open the case expecting one video, only to find another title.

Ø If there is a problem with the video/DVD, please let us know. We can’t correct the problem or order a replacement unless we know there is a problem.

Ø Borrowers are responsible for damages or loss of audiovisual media while in their possession.

Media Resource Center Charter Plan

The Media Resource Center Charter Plan is a way of providing media at a minimal cost to parishes and Catholic high schools. The cost is based upon the number of active family units in a specific parish or the number of students enrolled in a Catholic high school. This information is obtained from the current Bishop's Annual Appeal figures of registered families in parishes. The parish unit includes all parish groups: The Catholic elementary school, the parish school of religion, RCIA, Renew, parish council, adult faith formation, youth groups and other parish/school supported programs. Members of the Charter Plan can use media as needed within the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) on a first come, first served basis. Letters regarding the Charter Plan are mailed in the spring every year to all pastors, principals, and catechetical leaders. Individual rentals ($6 per video) are still available for those who do not wish to subscribe to the Charter Plan.

Media Resource Center

The Media Resource Center is normally open by appointment only. Please call the Media Resource Program Coordinator at 614-221-4633 for an appointment. This will ensure that someone will be available to assist you when you arrive.

The Media Resource Center gratefully

acknowledges the grants received from the Knights

of Columbus Matching Funds program. Without their help,

the Media Resource Center would not be able to

provide quality media for religious education

in the diocese.

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