Information Services and Systems The use of video in HE libraries Bernie Mathias

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

Information Services and Systems Library induction / tour e.g. Cardiff University Library ailpage&v=aL4RurpoUsY

Information Services and Systems ‘How to’ instructional videos e.g. Swansea University Library page&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

Information Services and Systems IL video clips in VLE modules

Information Services and Systems Celebrating Swansea Authors

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, [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, [accessed 29 May 2012] Mansfield, Daren, ‘No audition required! Using video tutorials in the 24x7 age’, SCONUL Focus, 49 (2010), Meehan, David, and Jack Hyland, ‘Video killed the ‘PDF’ star: taking information resource guides online’, SCONUL Focus, 47 (2009), 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