Do YouTube?
Ever heard of the popular video game called Dance, Dance Revolution? Well in today's library the word is Video, Video Revolution! Libraries all around the country (and the world)are taking advantage of the ease and popularity of sites such as YouTube and video.Google.com to get the word out about their services and programs, and they're even having fun doing it.
Illinois libraries are no exception, in fact they're out there blazing the way with some of the most innovative and creative ways to take advantage of this relatively new delivery format. Here are some examples of how video is making an impact in Illinois Libraries.
- The North Suburban Library System hosted Videopalooza!, a wildly successful Library Production Studio showcase in which attendees were able to see effective new ways to use video to promote their library, reach new audiences, record major events, and train staff.
- Harper College Library attended the Videopalooza and won a free video production which they used to create this engaging (and yes hilarious) tour of the library. They're also using instructional vodcasts to teach students about how to use some of the more popular resources in the library.
- This will be...one of the most interesting and creative library promotions you'll ever see! Take a peak at Read in Harmony, a parody of the well known dating service ad with the catchy tune. Created by four librarians at the Schaumburg Township District Library, this video has real chemistry.
- Hosted by Sarah Long, Director of the North Suburban Library System, the vodcast "What's New in Libraries" covers a wide array of topics related to libraries in Illinois. You can hear more about PolyTalk, the Central School Virtual Museum, the Libraries Return on Investment calculator and much more.
- With funding from an LSTA grant, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library has created the LibVlog "What's Up at the Library." They're also using the vlog to promote their print materials as you can see in this "Best at Everything" video where boys and girls show off the skills they learned by reading The Boy's Book: How to be the Best at Everything and The Girl's Book: How to be the Best at Everything.
- Promoting their Black History Family Festival, the Gail Bordan Public Library District in Elgin posted a video on YouTube highlighting the events and speakers from the Festival. They're also using video to familiarize the public with new services like their new drive up window at the library.
Related Links
Additional Resources
- Videopalooza
Hosted by the North Suburban Library System, Videopalooza gave Illinois libraries a taste of the many ways to use video to promote and market their library.
- The Engaged Library: Chicago Stories of Community Building., Published by the Urban Libraries Council
The report illustrates a variety of ways local libraries contribute to community development, looking at multiple layers of involvement: individual, voluntary associations, institutions, economy, place, and, importantly, the stories they tell about themselves in their communities.
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