Introduction to Videoblogging

On March 31, 2008, David Lee King, Digital Branch & Services Manager at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, presented Introduction to Videoblogging for over 25 attendees. The workshop started off with a quick recording of the audience graciously clarifying the pronunciation of Sachem for this Kansas-native, who humorously referred to it as Sock-em.

Afterwards, we viewed some examples of the different types of web videos out there. Consent point- “What if Barbie had a book group?” which is being used to promote a teen novel. Curious?Then take a look on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rio_XlX-Kd4), it’s sure to amuse the inner kid in all of us!

Now to more serious stuff. David then walked attendees through the many types of web video (tv shows, lifecasting, screencasting, and videoblogs), where to find them (blickx, clipblast, google videos, and mefeedia) and how to create them using free and/or inexpensive software (Apple’s iMovie, Window’s Movie Maker and Avid Free DV). The most important thing is to have an idea and he shared his thoughts on what libraries could do with videos. He amused the crowd with some traditional, interesting and, as he referred to, even some “slightly whacked-out” ideas. This included using videos for book talks, library PR, interviews, to show off exhibits and just about anything you can think of.

Now back to our video. David demonstrated, using the video recording he took in the morning, just how easy it can be to edit the raw footage, add text, and finally post it on a blog. If you would like to see this video and other videos from the program, please visit David’s blog at http://www.davidleeking.com/, where you can also find the presentation slides.

Podcast @ Your Library: It’s easier than you think!

On March 12, 2008, two local librarians Darren Chase, Informatics Librarian at the Health Sciences Library of Stony Brook University and Chris Kretz, Digital Resources Librarian at Dowling College Library demonstrated just how easy podcasting can be.Darren kick started the workshop with explaining what a podcast is and then demonstrated how to make a podcast on a shoestring budget. In less than one hour, he recorded a podcast using a microphone and free software called Audacity, set up a WordPress blog to syndicate the podcast, and finally published the podcast to the Internet Archive! Click here to view Darren’s presentation handout, Learning How To Podcast In Your Sleep.

Afterwards, Chris discussed his academic library podcasting experience with the Omnibus podcasts for Dowling College Library. Chris described his experiences creating the podcasts, including tricks to interview, time needed to edit, and much more. Click here to view Chris’ presentation, This American Library.

At the conclusion of the program, Darren and Chris invited participants to take part in a question and answer session, which was then recorded to demonstrate just how easy making a podcast can be.

Check out photos from the program on LILRC’s Flickr page.