Screencasting for Libraries (The Tech Set No. 17)

Citation

Dillon, J. (2013), "Screencasting for Libraries (The Tech Set No. 17)", Library Review, Vol. 62 No. 4/5, pp. 352-353. https://doi.org/10.1108/LR-02-2013-0029

Series Editor Ellyssa Kroski wanted the second series of The Tech Set to be “even more forward‐thinking” than the first and to “tackle today's hottest technologies, trends, and practices to help librarians stay on the forefront of technology innovation”. Screencasting, the creation of short instructional online tutorials, has been in use for several years in libraries across all sectors, so I was curious to see what was so “hot” about the technology. I approached Screencasting for Libraries with a reasonable understanding of the development of online tutorials having used Captivate and Camtasia along with two web‐based screencasting options, ScreenJelly and Screen Toaster, both of which have ceased to exist.

Author Greg Notess promises to teach “the basics of screencasting” and is more than qualified to do so. He is Reference Team Leader and Professor at Montana State University, a writer, speaker, and consultant, and has been blogging about screencasting since 2006. The book has a companion webpage at www.notess.com/screencasting/

Notess starts by sharing his thoughts on the difference between a good and bad screencast (too much text and poor graphics are two of the less‐desired qualities) and providing some practical examples of when and how you would use a screencast. He introduced some of the key players, including Captivate and Camtasia, software applications that need to be purchased and installed on the library's computer. He also introduced some free downloadable software: Jing, Wink and Webinaria and the web‐based applications Screenr and Screencast‐O‐Matic.

All of these options allow you to record your screen movements to create an online tutorial for your users to watch, but only some of them allow you to record and add an audio narration. Content creators who do want to add audio to the screencasts will appreciate Notess' advice on microphones, minimal noise environments, and other tips for successful audio recording.

By far the most useful chapter in my view was Chapter 3: “Planning.” Like many users, I have jumped in and tried screencasting. I have played with it and if I was not happy with the outcome, I would just try again. This is, in fact, a strategy the author recommends if your aim is simply to create a short, relatively uncomplicated video. If you are you want to aim a little higher, Notess provides suggestions for how to plan your work. He advises readers to think about their objective and plan a click path so that you know what steps you will be taking.

If you just want to know “how to make a screencast” you will find Chapter 5: “Implementation most helpful.” Not only does Notess give clear instructions for each platform but he has provided links to the examples he created. This means you can watch the screencast he made with each software or web tool, and also learn the steps he took to create them.

I think the most valuable lesson for me was in Chapter 7 where Notess discusses best practices. His motto is KISS or “keep it short, screencaster!” (p. 83).

Screencasting for Libraries is a not only a practical book in terms of teaching the reader how to use the technology available but also shows the importance of planning your work and meeting your objectives. It has definitely earned a spot on my bookshelf and I will be referring to it often as I embark on the production of future screencasts, this time assisted by the well‐planned tutorials. Perhaps, I will even have the courage to record some audio!