Library orientation on videotape: production planning and administrative support.

Area of Science:

• Medical Librarianship
• Audiovisual Services
• Information Science

Background:

• Medical library orientation is a crucial public service.
• Effective orientation requires creativity, skill, and collaboration.
• Northwestern University Medical Library (NUML) sought innovative approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of a video production service.
• To detail the creation of an orientation videotape for NUML.
• To illustrate the integration of reference and audiovisual services.

Main Methods:

• Planning phases: outlining, scriptwriting, video sequencing, and taping.
• Utilizing a newly established video production service.
• Documenting the process of creating an orientation videotape.

Main Results:

• NUML successfully produced an orientation videotape.
• The videotape integrated reference and audiovisual services.
• The project highlighted the benefits of merging library services.

Conclusions:

• Video production can enhance library user orientation.
• Successful implementation requires planning, management support, and cost analysis.
• This model merges diverse library skills for improved user experience.