Library Applications of YouTube (Library Media Class: Week 3, Session 2)

1. Give some examples of how library institutions may use YouTube?

Youtube can be used in many ways by libraries, but I think the most common way is to introduce new users to the facility. Tours and directions are easily given for people interested in familiarizing themselves with the library before their first visit. Programs and services can be promoted through short videos. These are especially effective for children and youth programs because kids from ages 10-16 are most likely to watch them. These tour videos can be straight, serious tours of the building or can be part of a story that makes the tour much more entertaining.


2. Give some examples of libraries using YouTube and how they are using it?

Williams College (Williamstown, Massachusetts) has posted a youtube video introducing new students to the library and its services through a two-minute "mystery tour" narrated by two reference librarians. Montana State University's Renne Library offers a no-nonsense five-minute tour (BORing). The Salt Lake City Draper Library takes the prize with its two-minute "Wizard of Oz" tour. Other examples, this time of a program promotion instead of a tour, is the "Denver Public Library Summer of Reading" which is embedded in another entry on this blog, and "Teen Summer Reading @ Birmingham Public Library," a very short mystery-style promo.


3. What would be some of the things to consider when uploading a video onto YouTube?

Important things to consider when posting on youtube are:
. Permission of participants, especially parents' permission for their children appearing in the video;
. Incidental bystanders who may be in the recording;
. Copyrighted material, like artwork on the walls, background music, etc.;
. Your video's length: two minutes seems to be a good length for youtube;
. Your video's quality (people will not watch a whole segment if it is out of focus, has bad sound or is confusing);
. Is the video interesting? (Again, people will not watch the whole thing if it is boring. For an example of a video that is too long and too dry, see the MSU Renne Library video referenced above.)