The statistics from YouTube show that more than 4 billion hours of video are watched each month and in particular, 25% of global YouTube views come from mobile devices.  YouTube is also a popular search engine, particularly for DIY topics.  Of course there are other video apps and tools to consider as well, including Vimeo, Vine, Viddy, Social Cam, Animoto, uStream and more!   In this Thing, we will take a look at some of the ways libraries and library workers can use video for engaging with clients and providing information about services, events and collections to their communities.

A welcome video Greeting for #23mobilethings participants from @janholmquist

DISCOVER:

You have probably seen some great uses of YouTube for libraries.

• messages for parents about story time and the value of reading
• book trailers to promote your collections
• specialist training for library staff
• capturing library events
• school library rules in cartoon style
• library channels with lots of videos
• promoting a library

But what about something new like Vine ?

• Justin Hoenke made a Vine clip for #23mobilethings
• Vine is so popular it has a category of its own at the Tribeca Film Festival
• There are some ideas for using Vine in libraries from Matt Anderson and Emily Lloyd (Shelf Check)

EXPLORE:

Beginners: Record a video on your mobile device and upload a YouTube video

• you will need to create a YouTube account to upload your video
• you could try using the YouTube Capture by Google app if you are using iOS or download the Vine app or use any other video platform

More experienced: Challenge yourself to create a video using Vine (using #23mobilethings when you share it), Animoto  (iOS and Android apps available) or Xtranormal 

• There are more links and ideas on our Pinterest board

THINKING POINTS:

• Does your library have a video channel? if not, what could you use one for?
• Could your library use video to claim a space as a tastemaker? (eg. TED,  Tate Modern, Live from the NYPL )
• What information about using library equipment and services could be explained simply via video?
• Have you tried creating movie trailers for promotion eg. children’s book week or activities ?
• Does your collection include video of local events like flashmobs (eg. Roosevelt Elementary School – Gotta Keep Reading ), how can donors contribute videos to your collection?
• Could you use video / film making on iPad/tablet as a library program (eg. Mash it up iFilm 101 program )
• Have you considered the role of digital storytelling in local history eg. oral history videos?
• Do you have digital signage in your library?  Are the signs always static or could you include videos and animations to capture your clients attention?
• Do you watch videos to keep up with industry trends?