Week 8 - Screencasts

Screencasts are an interesting tutorial tool for libraries. They can be as simple as you want (the Treasure Hunt and smiley face examples), or as detailed as you need (U. of Calgary full text database search or the Central MI U. example). I also looked at a couple of the examples under the Online Tutorials page at the Library Success Wiki. I especially liked the Tips for Developing Online Tutorials, such as having a novice go through the steps of your screencast to make sure it is clear and understandable.

I also viewed the Screncast-O-Matic screencast on how to do a screencast (huh?) It sounds easy to do, but I don't understand how to get to the actual screens you might want to describe for your screencast. Say I wanted to show users how to use our library's online catalog. How would I embed that screencast over the process of using the catalog? Or is that something the IT staff would do? Step 1 of the instructions talks about opening applications - is that how one gets to the screens? I just can't visualize how the screencast is connected to the process you want to demonstrate. Yes, I listened to the 10 minute Screencast-O-Matic screencast, but I still don't follow how to insert what you want to show - perhaps if I could sit at the elbow of someone creating the screencast....My computer illiteracy is showing again. Sigh.

I can see lots of potential for library screencasts - demos of how to use the online catalog, how to search for media vs. books, how to use Clio III or Learning Express, how to find magazine articles, etc. I've developed bookmarks that we provide to patrons on various subjects, such as how to access your library account, how to place reserves, etc., and I'm currently distilling the room resercvation process down into this format. I can see it being done as either a podcast or screencast. Following the reservation process with a script and the actual form online would be a strong visual, and as we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words. I like the idea of screencasts, I just need to see how one is created to be totally sold.