Videos and QR Codes in the Library

In today's digital world, information is available in multiple mediums and accessible in an instant. In order to stay current with the demand for information digitally, librarians can utilize various digital tools to better serve their patrons. For example, creating and uploading video tutorials for students or community members to view as needed. This is not only a time saver for the user but also another way for the library program to continue curtailing its services to meet the needs of patrons. Here are a few examples of video tutorials that address user needs: 

How to Use Soundzabound

This particular video from theunquietlibrary had 141 views and would be a great tutorial for showing how to add sound to a presentation. One downfall is, in my opinion, this tutorial would need to be updated but may still be relevant for some.  

Using EasyBib to Cite a Music File from iTunes

**This would be most liked and most useful for students**

This video, also from theunquietlibrary, oddly did not have as many views as the previous video but has not been available for nearly as long as the previous one. This would be a great tutorial for showing patrons how to cite music used in a project and is still relevant because people still use iTunes.

Here are some other video tutorials from Pikesville High School Library. I found these to be very informative and a great resource for students (and their parents) to refer back to as needed.

2013-2014 Registration Process

**This would be most liked by students**

Sharing information about registration criteria and tips for scheduling, this video by Pikesvillehslibrary would be useful for patrons. Having 256 Views, it would be a great resource to refer back to for registration questions. One thing I would change is maybe adding some graphics to show information visually.

2014-2015 Course Advisement

**This would be most useful for students**

This particular video from Pikesvillehslibrary had 348 views, proving its usefulness to students wanting to access information about course advisement. This video is great information for selecting courses, includes lots of visuals and excerpts from teachers, and is available to view by students and parents. The only downside to this video is it may be a little lengthy and some of the audio was difficult to hear.

Another librarian/media specialist from a middle school offers great video tutorials for students to access. 

Noodle Tools - How to make a website citation

This video tutorial shares information with students about how to use a web application, Noodle Tools, to create a website citation. This video is very thorough and the librarian also offers a follow-up video on how to print or export the works cited list from Noodle Tools. With 286 views is a great resource for students but it is a little lengthy.

eResources Tutorial

**This would be most liked and most useful for students**

This tutorial focuses on how students can access electronic databases and resources. Having 213 views. this is a great tutorial on how to access and utilize the digital content the library program offers. This would not only be helpful to students but also to parents who may be trying to help their child with homework or a research project.

As a future librarian, I plan on following in the footsteps of the librarian/media specialists mentioned above. Creating tutorials on various topics can improve student access to resources but also access to a librarian when help is needed or requested.

Another example of ways to promote the library program and resources is through the use of book trailers. Book trailers are a wonderful way to highlight various books and promote interest in different genres and with different authors. I created a book trailer on a recent read by Angeline Boulley titled Firekeeper's Daughter. Scan the QR code below to view my book trailer!

Synopsis from the publisher: 
Eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. She dreams of a fresh start at college, but when family tragedy strikes, Daunis puts her future on hold to look after her fragile mother. The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother Levi’s hockey team.

Yet even as Daunis falls for Jamie, she senses the dashing hockey star is hiding something. Everything comes to light when Daunis witnesses a shocking murder, thrusting her into an FBI investigation of a lethal new drug.

Reluctantly, Daunis agrees to go undercover, drawing on her knowledge of chemistry and Ojibwe traditional medicine to track down the source. But the search for truth is more complicated than Daunis imagined, exposing secrets and old scars. At the same time, she grows concerned with an investigation that seems more focused on punishing the offenders than protecting the victims.

Now, as the deceptions―and deaths―keep growing, Daunis must learn what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she’ll go for her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.

Using QR codes in the library brings access to information and resources so easily! I plan on using QR codes for access to items such as wifi networks, library resources or references, social media handles, virtual library tours, and more. Check out this study on the use of QR codes in the library: 

QR Code And Its Effectiveness in Library Services

.