librarykerri

For my video tutorial, I chose to demonstrate how to access and use AtoZ World Foods, the database that I had previously featured in my brochure. When deciding what to include, I thought back to the brochure and considered what information would be most useful to someone using the database for the first time. I also thought about the features that surprised me or I found exciting when I explored it myself. I wanted the tutorial to show both how to access the database and some of the features that I thought patrons would find most useful.

Before recording, I planned the tutorial in my head and then outlined the steps on paper. Having that outline made me more comfortable once I started recording and helped me stay focused. I used Vimeo’s screen recording feature because I wanted viewers to see both my screen and my face. I felt that having my face visible made the tutorial more personal and similar to how I would help a patron at the library.

It took me four attempts before I was happy with the final video. My first recording was around five minutes long, but each attempt became more concise. Eventually, I was able to get the tutorial under three minutes without sacrificing any of the information I thought was important. That process helped me realize how much planning goes into creating a short tutorial. Being concise while still providing enough instruction was probably the biggest challenge.

I also added soft background music using audio available through Vimeo. I am naturally soft-spoken, and because I recorded the tutorial at the library, I couldn’t project my voice as much as I normally might. I chose quieter background music so it wouldn’t compete with my narration.

I could not figure out how to create subtitles and a transcript on Vimeo, so I uploaded the video to YouTube to share. All I had to do was chose the language and the subtitles and transcript were populated for me. It was important to include these things for accessibility.

If I were teaching someone else how to create a video tutorial, I would emphasize planning before recording. I would suggest identifying the audience, deciding on just a few essential learning objectives, outlining the steps, and practicing at least once before recording. I would also encourage them not to expect the first attempt to be perfect. My four attempts actually helped me become more comfortable and concise. Overall, I enjoyed the process and can see how short video tutorials could be a useful way for libraries to provide instruction to patrons whenever and wherever they need it.