Developing Online Patron Tutorials

Today’s Agenda

Case Studies 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? Case Studies

Carmel Clay Public Library

Carmel Clay Public Library Highlights - Promotion: Through homepage Point-of-need YouTube channel Facebook

Dallas Public Library

Dallas Public Library Highlights: Organized hierarchical subject based inventory Ability to limit list of videos by subject Coordination with City for employment tutorials

William Paterson University

William Paterson University Highlights - Feedback: Feedback form Comments tracked Live librarian chat Rotating icon on homepage

St. Louis Community College

St. Louis Community College Highlights: Rotating feature video Started with existing open source Collaborate with faculty, incorporate into Blackboard Focus on short in/out tutorials Ease of sharing

Content Selection Topic & content selection for tutorials: Needs assessment – formal vs. informal Support of library subsidized resources Subject matter expertise Common inquiries General considerations

Evolution of Tip Sheet-Screencast-Tutorial

Skill/Tool Continuum Screen capture/written tip sheet Snag-It, Word, PPT Screencasting Screenr, jing Screen recording/editing Camtasia eLearning course Captivate, Articulate Core competencyLess than 1 day1-2 weeks, daily use~ use hours Skill Level/Training Requirements Budget: One-time/Annual $400/$80$15/$100 (hosting)$300/$100 $200 training $800/$200 $200 training

Screenr – quick look

Things we know… 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

Camtasia Editing Studio

Maximize Sharing Expertise Maximize sharing your expertise Screencast or record demonstration sessions with patrons and reuse – send links via as a reinforcement to patrons Consider ongoing “webinars” – record and archive for others Maintain an inventory of annotated screen captures and other reusable assets

Creation Tools Like a great chef - never throw out the practice batch! Share it, evaluate it, and incorporate feedback into the next batch.

Promotion and Access Promotion & access to your tutorials: Web site placement (location, location, location) Access points (multiple listings) Compliancy & language Hosting implications Consistency (icons, design)

Evaluation Effectiveness & Lifespan: Quantitative measuring - usage Qualitative measure - usefulness Determining shelf life Updating & replacing

The Big Picture Perspective & Take-aways: Launch strategies Part of ongoing public service activities Just do it!

Additional Resources WJ Patron Tutorial resources Lib20 Wiki - Screencasting Resources A.N.T.S. – Animated Tutorial Sharing Project Best Practices in Screencasting A.N.T.S. – Animated Tutorial Sharing Project