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.

Week 8 - simply del.icio.us!

As librarians, many of us have probably been tagging consciously or unconsciously most of our working lives (at home, too-just look at my kitchen drawers and cabinets!). Most of the time the tags (aka subject headings) I've seen and used made sense. But there are times when I just haven't appreciated the slightly arcane subjects I've run across. "Cities and towns, extinct and ruined" vs. "ghost towns" is one of my favorite examples. Now, before I'm forced to run and pull on my asbestos undies so I don't feel your flames, I have a huge respect for catalogers and cataloging. I really do! Many times, however, I've felt like a Mason revealing some long-kept secret when I've shown patrons how to find something by subject, then showed them how to use related subject headings to find other items of potential interest. I've watched a lot of "a-Ha!" moments like this when it sinks in that the patron now understands what all those extra words on that record are for, that she has all these other subjects she can look under, and that she doesn't have to ask for help again. What a surge of power, aye?! (And no, I don't feel obsolete yet.)

I like the idea of tagging and social tagging. Being able to access information using common language alongside specialized terminology makes sense to me. Anytime you can make it easier for someone to find something, that's a good thing, right? I took a look at some of the online library catalogs listed in this week's assignment. Inviting patron prticipation by allowing catalog users to input tags is an interesting idea . It allows patrons to make things more accessible and relevant to them. One question: do libraries that allow tagging moderate the patron suggestions? I'm assuming so or there might be questionable/inappropriate entries. Just wondering.

Next, I went into del.icio.us.com and explored, registered, tagged, and added lots of entries to my account, which I think can be accessed at:
http://del.icio.us/jillzinga
I really like the idea of being able to access my favorites at any computer rather than just one at home. And I like being to see other's favorites and finding new ones of interest. I think this will be one of my new favorite sites. (gee, especially since I've installed the buttons on my browser, aye?LOL!)

Finally, I went back into del.icio.us and searched for others who tagged "frugal". After scanning some the entries listed under a couple of people, I subscribed to an RSS feed from: del.icio.us/bookchiq/frugality, and I see this feed is now listed on my blogroll. Success! Plus, it looks like this person has some interesting sites for me to check out.
I enjoyed this assignment!