Posted on behalf of Marcia Dority Baker

I had a great time leading the 24/7 Librarianship: Reaching Patrons with Digital Tutorials webinar for WebJunction. This was my first time teaching an online class with Wimba, which is really cool software. The best part of the webinar was interacting with library folk who wanted to join the presentation. I appreciate that people took time out their busy day to learn about digital tutorials.

So, what is a digital tutorial? A digital tutorial is a how-to guide for your library customers. It is anything that helps customers find and use information. Moving from the old “how to” VHS tapes to digital videos on the library website allows libraries to maintain contact with customers in a new way. During the “24/7 Librarianship” webinar, we discussed how libraries can use digital tutorials and spent time brainstorming what could work in participant’s libraries.

Some great ideas for digital tutorials included:

• how to ILL
• promoting author visits
• showcase your story time
• a poetry contest/slam
• library tour
• how-to do something library specific like use the self-check out
• finding tax forms
• previewing new compact shelving
• checking out e-books and resume writing

Digital tutorials are an opportunity to provide information to customers beyond the usual library hours. Learn and use the technology available at your library when creating a digital tutorial. Give yourself enough time and pay attention to the details. Find someone outside the project to review the tutorial and offer advice before it goes “live.” Finally, let library staff be innovative and have fun!