Using YouTube in the Public LibraryPresented by Cindy Grove, Reference Librarian at the Tewksbury Public Library

Tech Zoo, Steven’s Memorial Library, March 15, 2014

Videos can be used to promote current or future events, programs, and services.

• Showcase some of the many services libraries has to offer.• Give a tour.• Talk about what a library card gives a patron access

to.• Highlight a specific service, such as volunteering,

databases, or ebooks.

• Services can be new or underutilized.

• Promote an event or series of events.• Community reads, speaker series, or summer

reading.

• The possibilities are endless.

Videos can be used to off past library events and programs

• See what you missed!

• This is what a story time is like.

• See how much fun we have at the library.

• Look! I am on the internet!• Making videos can be part of the program.

Videos can be used to teach patrons how to use library resources• People have different learning styles and the YouTube

video’s are great for visual, audio and tactual learners. They can watch, hear, and follow along with instructions.

• As mentioned before the resources can be new to the library or older ones that you want to increase awareness and usage for.

• Instructional videos are an easy way to educate many patrons at once.

• Keep them short, and specific to one task.

Videos can be used in reader’s advisory• Review books, movies or music.

• Reviews can be done by patrons or staff.

Some ideas:• Patrons can share comments after viewing a

movie or as part of a book group!

• Staff can share their thoughts on school summer reading books.

Videos can be used to promoting early literacy

• Reading, singing and rhyming develops a wonderful connection with your baby as well developing critical early learning and literacy skills.

• Videos can be used to expand on story times and give parents songs, fingerplays, and knee bounces they can do at home.

Videos provide good customer service

• There are an increasing number of patrons that do not physically visit the library.• Electronic books, magazines, movies, music,

and databases!

• How to videos can provide library instruction 24/7.

Just in case you need a few more reasons videos…

• Promote collaboration between staff.

• Encourage staff to get excited and be included. • Provide bloopers!

Getting started

• Brainstorm with staff

• Make a prioritized list

• Find some pockets of time.• Videos that involve multiple staff members

can be done before or after library hours.• Take advantage of editing software.• When getting started making videos may

take more time.

Screen capturing and editing software• Techsmith offers Snagit ($50 just recording) or Camtasia Studios (recording and editing) for Windows ($300) or Mac ($100).

• iMovie for Mac (free, editing)

• Movavi for Windows($40-$100 editing and recording)

• Adobe Captivate 7 for Windows or Mac($899 editing and recording)

• VSDC Free Video Editor for Windows (free, editing)

Recording tips• Have fun!

• Have a script, but don’t worry about sticking to it.

• Have patience with yourself and your coworkers. It will take a while to get the hang of it.• Staff will have varying degrees of comfort.

Respect and appreciate what they are willing to do.

• It does not need to be perfect. Let patrons see real librarians.

Sharing your videos

• Create a YouTube channel to host all the library’s videos.

• Add them to your website.

• Share your videos on social media sites and ask staff and patrons to share them.

• Library, staff and local news blogs.