Full stream ahead: database instruction through online videos

摘要

As the use of electronic library resources increases, the demand for online support also multiplies. Information literacy and 24/7 customer support are some of the urgent issues related to research in an electronic environment that many libraries are trying to address today. This article describes an approach in meeting these challenges, the Let-It-V (Learning E-Resources Through Instructional Technology Videos) project at the Texas A&M University Libraries. This study combines the use of screen-captured videos and a streaming media encoder to produce topic-specific videos for task-oriented demands. It is visual, interactive, and seeks to provide just-in-time solutions at a point of need. On-demand streaming is a viable, cost-effective alternative for low bandwidth delivery of video-enabled library instruction. The technologies involved, key development issues, lessons learned and their implications for distance learning are discussed.