Thing 21 - Podcasting and YouTube!

Podcasts
Podcasts have the potential to be a useful tool for libraries. I particularly like the way the Queen Mother library at University of Aberdeen is using them for a mixture of tours of the library, overview of resources and instructions on using self-issue machines. The library tour podcasts are helpful, as they do more than explain where books on a particular subject are. For example, in the section about European documents, they also explain that those from 2003 onwards are online, and that not all are listed in the catalogue. It was a nice touch that the podcast was created by staff from the relevant section of the library and invited listeners to ask them for help, which creates the impression that staff are approachable and friendly.


YouTube
Despite using YouTube frequently and featuring in a couple of videos posted there (not telling which!), most of the library videos recommended were new to me. Video library tours are great for the added visual element and if they are funny as well, they are probably more likely to attract viewers. Perhaps any relevant Cambridge library podcasts could be added to the Cambridge University YouTube channel if they are not already.

The great thing about using podcasts or YouTube for library tours is that library users can listen/watch at times that suit them - especially important to this generation of students who are often used to and expect to have things on demand. Many libraries offer induction tours at the start of term for new students, but for those who miss the tours or find the times inconvenient, the podcast means that they don't miss out. Yes, they lose the interactivity of led tours where questions can be answered, but it's better than nothing. Different people have varying learning styles, for example some people prefer audio-visual demonstrations to printed instructions on how to use the photocopier. If we can offer audio-visual as well as a poster with printed instructions, it will reach those who prefer this medium.

TED
I had never heard of this before, but it looked like there were some interesting videos. I wonder whether some university lecturers record their lectures and make them available to students who missed them - great for those who are ill. Then again, maybe the lecturers would be recording themselves talking to an empty room with all the students preferring to catch up with 'lectures on demand'!