Exploring Youtube for more than just entertainment
I, like many people, use YouTube a lot. I do not always use it for educational or informative purposes, watching cats do dumb things or the video with the baby ripping paper and laughing (if you haven’t seen it you should its hilarious). I do know that YouTube does have lots of educational and practical applications. A few years ago my father turned his screened in porch into a den, using his past experiences but mostly by using how-to videos on YouTube. I have also used YouTube videos for classes in undergrad and in this class for some of the assignments. The ease of use of YouTube really makes it an appealing tool for learning, and I am sure for libraries to market their programs and services.
I came across some pretty interesting videos when searching for one that was library related like, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_uzUh1VT98 which is bizarre to say the least. After weeding out all of the weird or non-related videos(most of which were musical renditions turned librarian related). I was able to find some that were pretty useful when applied to library studies. One of videos I found to be particularly interesting is from a couple years ago when the economy had taken the downturn we are still stuck in today. There are lots of interesting aspects to this video , the main one to me is that people seem to be surprised that libraries exist and offer useful free services. It seems so obvious to me, not only because I am in Library school but also because the library was such a large part of my childhood. Before I was in elementary school my mom would take me to the library once a week to read and borrow books. If I wanted to rent a movie when I was a kid I didn’t go to Blockbuster, I walked around the corner to borrow one from the library(once I was old enough the get the coveted video sticker on my card). I do think that it is great that libraries were able to get such big publicity; especially if it was able to teach people about all of the library services they did not know about. I hope that even with the budget cuts due to the recession libraries were able to benefit by more foot traffic after this story. And I hope that people were able to realize how awesome the libraries services are, for people who needed help or for people to get services for free that they had once paid for.
I also have a lot of experience learning through YouTube. I learned how to french braid that way, my boyfriend learned how to tie certain knots in his ties, and I've had to stand in front of my mom playing a YouTube video on how to put a special bike rack on her Mini Cooper while she struggled. As I said in my own blog, this can be applied to libraries as well. Videos can be made that show people who normally wouldn't go to the library, all the ways in which the library can be useful. Why go to Family Video when you can get the movies free at the library? Or YouTube can be used for advertising different events. Really, it seems as if libraries could benefit from commercials--and not cheesy cheap ones either.
Heh, I found that "Librarians Do Gaga" video too! It actually popped up in the sidebar while I was watching a video explaining the public library to immigrants. I think that's what I like about YouTube--the combination of fairly accurate search results and random-seeming suggestions. And I agree with you and Caroline--if used properly, YouTube could be a great way to publicize the library to non-users (those with access to a computer and an internet connection, anyway).
I also have a lot of experience learning through YouTube. I learned how to french braid that way, my boyfriend learned how to tie certain knots in his ties, and I've had to stand in front of my mom playing a YouTube video on how to put a special bike rack on her Mini Cooper while she struggled. As I said in my own blog, this can be applied to libraries as well. Videos can be made that show people who normally wouldn't go to the library, all the ways in which the library can be useful. Why go to Family Video when you can get the movies free at the library? Or YouTube can be used for advertising different events. Really, it seems as if libraries could benefit from commercials--and not cheesy cheap ones either.
ReplyDeleteHeh, I found that "Librarians Do Gaga" video too! It actually popped up in the sidebar while I was watching a video explaining the public library to immigrants. I think that's what I like about YouTube--the combination of fairly accurate search results and random-seeming suggestions.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with you and Caroline--if used properly, YouTube could be a great way to publicize the library to non-users (those with access to a computer and an internet connection, anyway).