Thursday, 12 September 2013

Week 8 - Reflect: Audio, Video and Presentation Tools

This week I will be reflecting on the role of podcasting, online video, screencasting or slidecasting in libraries or information organisations.

I think the role of these tools will be very beneficial in libraries and information organisations for many reasons both internally and externally. I’m sure there is a range of possibilities for libraries to create and enhance their services and reach a wider range of people through using audio visual tools.

Using audio-visual tools like podcasting, online video, screencasting or slidecasting within a library or information organisation can help with employees training and professional development. By creating interesting and visual displays on how to use a new service or product, staff can develop their own training to meet their specific needs as well as extending their professional development.

Using these tools can also be of great benefit when providing services to their clients. Creating videos demonstrating how to use their services (the library catalogue, ebook downloads) would help make their services more accessible. This would also be attractive to the YouTube generation, who would probably prefer to watch a video than call and ask.

I obviously see the possibility of audio-visual tools as a way to enhance the existing services of the library. As to creating services in their own right there is potential. Libraries could select employees to make their own video reviews of books or music. It could very well be another way to reach their customers.


I did a mini video using Screen-O-Matic on how to download an ebook from Bolinda Digital offered through Brisbane City Council Libraries for my week 8 play activity. While at first I was rather pissed off at the effort it would take as I feel incredibly behind this week, it did prove to be a fun experience. Definitely something I would recommend or encourage people using. It might even be a way to help my mum learn things instead of sitting on the phone getting cranky – I’ll just record a video and send it to her *problem solved*

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