Information Services and Systems
• Why use video?
• Look at how video has been used in different ways in HE libraries in the UK
• Our experience – tips and mistakes!
• Your experience - discussion
Introduction
Information Services and Systems
Video can be used for a variety of purposes in HE libraries:
• Communication channel with users – it makes us seem approachable
• Distance learners – can provide off campus support
Why use video?
Information Services and Systems
Why use video? (cont)
• Marketing – a way of showcasing libraries’ services and facilities
• Save staff time – instead of repeating an induction session a video could be put in a VLE
• Inclusivity – a subtitled version of a video may be useful for international students and users with hearing difficulties.
Information Services and Systems
Different ways HE libraries have used video
HE libraries across Britain have taken different approaches in their use of video, for example:
• Student interviews• Staff library induction / tour• ‘How to’ videos
Information Services and Systems
Student interviews e.g. De Montfort University library
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvoLfbmBpXE
Information Services and Systems
Library induction / tour e.g. Cardiff University Library
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=aL4RurpoUsY
Information Services and Systems
‘How to’ instructional videos e.g. Swansea University Library
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=TGh2Ro2Cci4
Information Services and Systems
Our experience
We have used video for different purposes at Swansea:
• Library induction• IL video clips in VLE modules• Celebrating Swansea Authors
Information Services and Systems
Library Induction – 7 video clips
• Introduction• Help from the Information Desk• Services at the Issue Desk• Finding a book• Photocopying in the library• Careers Services• IT Support Services
http://www.youtube.com/user/swanseauniversitylib
Information Services and Systems
IL video clips in VLE modules
Information Services and Systems
Celebrating Swansea Authors
http://www.youtube.com/user/CelebrateSUAuthors
Information Services and Systems
Tips
• Be clear about the purpose of the video and the requirements of your target audience
• If possible, use a professional technician with quality facilities for filming, audio recording and editing
• Script everything before filming. Have an autocue if it helps but rehearse the lines so that you know roughly what you’re going to say as this will seem more natural
Information Services and Systems
Tips
• Put the library in context – pan around the outside of the building and give directions if necessary
• Don’t try to be too perfect – you may need to re-do the clip in a year. Just aim to be clear, friendly and approachable.
• Don’t overload the viewer with too much information – short clips often work best
Information Services and Systems
Tips
“If we provide too much information at once, we cause cognitive overload, at which point our students shut down, lose interest, or otherwise simply stop learning.” 1
1 Kim Leeder, ‘Learning to teach through video’, In the library with the lead
pipe, 14 October 2009, <http://inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2009/learning-
to-teach-through-video/> [accessed 29 May 2012]
Information Services and Systems
Tips
• Highlight your library web address so viewers know where to get further information
• Review / update the video annually and, if possible, keep things that will need updating frequently in voiceovers or text on the screen
Information Services and Systems
• Can you think of any purpose or function that a video clip could fulfill?
• What videos could you make in future?
• Do you think videos can replace classroom teaching or do they supplement it?
Discussion
Information Services and Systems
Bibliography
Leeder, Kim, ‘Learning to teach through video’, In the library with the lead pipe,14 October 2009,
<http://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2009/learning-to-teach-through-video/> [accessed 29 May 2012]
Mansfield, Daren, ‘No audition required! Using video tutorials in the 24x7 age’, SCONUL Focus, 49 (2010), 16-18.
Meehan, David, and Jack Hyland, ‘Video killed the ‘PDF’ star: taking information resource guides online’, SCONUL Focus, 47 (2009), 23-27.
Sidwell, Katy, ‘Lights, camera, induction: using video at Leeds University Library’,, SCONUL Newsletter 31 (Spring 2004),29-32
Information Services and Systems
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the following for allowing use of their YouTube video material in this presentation:
• De Montfort University Library• Cardiff University International Office and
Trevithick Library Staff