On Demand Training

In the Anderson article "Away from the Icebergs", the author talks about the patron-to-librarian ratio and how our library applications need to be simpler to use without training. But there's another way of educating users, on-demand training.

I am currently using two Web 2.0 tools, Jing and Camtasia, in one of my MLIS courses. Both tools allow for screen capture along with narration. It is possible to record how-to videos on a number of popular library technology subjects such as using email, or PC Plus scanners. The screencasts can be saved to network drives or even CDs and DVDs for later playback on demand. The possibility of subjects that can be recorded is unlimited.

Library 2.0 is a way to use existing tools in new ways to provide customers with content that they can access in popular and familiar ways. According to a recent PEW report, one third of all of the age groups surveyed that viewed online videos, viewed educational videos. Why shouldn't libraries take advantage of this, and become the producers of educational videos.

Here's a link to one that I did for demo purposes about resizing digital photos:

Click to Play