Developing Online Patron Tutorials
Today’s Agenda
A review of case studies provides some answers:
• What has been successful?
• What have libraries learned in the process?
• What tools have they used?
• What would they recommend to others?
Carmel Clay Public Library
http://www.carmel.lib.in.us/
Carmel Clay Public Library
http://www.carmel.lib.in.us/
Highlights - Promotion:
• Through homepage
• Point-of-need
• YouTube channel
• Facebook
Dallas Public Library
http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/tutorials/tutorials.php
Dallas Public Library
http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/tutorials/tutorials.php
Highlights:
• Organized hierarchical
subject based
inventory
• Ability to limit list of
videos by subject
• Coordination with
City for employment
tutorials
William Paterson University
http://guides.wpunj.edu/content.php?pid=127800&sid=1096786
William Paterson University
http://guides.wpunj.edu/
Highlights - Feedback:
• Feedback form
• Comments tracked
• Live librarian chat
• Rotating icon on homepage
St. Louis Community College
http://guides.stlcc.edu/tutorials
St. Louis Community College
http://guides.stlcc.edu/tutorials
Highlights:
• Rotating feature video
• Started with existing open
source
• Collaborate with faculty,
incorporate into Blackboard
• Focus on short in/out
tutorials
• Ease of sharing
Topic & content selection for tutorials:
• Needs assessment – formal vs. informal
• Support of library
subsidized resources
• Subject matter
expertise
• Common inquiries
• General considerations
Skill Level/Training Requirements
Core competency
Less than 1 day
1-2 weeks, daily use
~40-100 use hours
Screen
capture/written tip
sheet
Screencasting
Screen
recording/editing
eLearning course
Screenr, jing
Snag-It, Word, PPT
$400/$80
$15/$100 (hosting)
Budget: One-time/Annual
Camtasia
Captivate,
Articulate
$300/$100
$200 training
$800/$200
$200 training
What we know:
• Computer-based video is popular
• Social media is best marketing
vehicle
• Short attention spans,
3 minutes or less
• Likelihood of use is higher
for those comfortable using
computers
Maximize sharing your expertise
• Screencast or record demonstration sessions
with patrons and reuse – send links via email
as a reinforcement to patrons
• Consider ongoing “webinars” – record and
archive for others
• Maintain an inventory of annotated screen
captures and other reusable assets
Like a great chef - never
throw out the practice
batch! Share it, evaluate
it, and incorporate
feedback into the next
batch.
Promotion & access to your tutorials:
• Web site placement (location,
location, location)
• Access points (multiple listings)
• Compliancy & language
• Hosting implications
• Consistency (icons, design)
Effectiveness & Lifespan:
• Quantitative measuring - usage
• Qualitative measure - usefulness
• Determining shelf life
• Updating & replacing
Perspective & Take-aways:
• Launch strategies
• Part of ongoing public
service activities
• Just do it!
• WJ Patron Tutorial resources
• Lib20 Wiki - Screencasting Resources
• A.N.T.S. – Animated Tutorial Sharing Project
Best Practices in Screencasting