Thing #12: Videos

If you’ve ever seen a YouTube video like the Re: @wawoodworth one above, you’ve experienced video sharing.

Video Sharing

Video sharing sites allow web users to upload, share, and play videos on the Web. You can watch user videos on flickr, Vimeo, and many other sites.

You Tube

YouTube, founded in 2005 and now part of Google, is the most popular online video community, allowing millions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos.

YouTube revolutionized the way video is shared on the Internet by making it easy to upload and share videos. On YouTube, there’s something for everyone. Like many websites, you may also find stuff Not Worth Watching.

Anyone can view videos on YouTube. However, in order to upload videos or to benefit from the site’s more "social" features users need to register for a free account. Registers users can: upload and share their own videos; Comment on, rate, and make video responses to favorite videos; and build playlists of favorites to watch later.

How Libraries are Using Video

Think about the possibility of sharing library information via video. Many libraries, including our own Suntree/Viera, are using YouTube videos to share information. Libraries can use video to:

• promote a program
• introduce your library to the community
• commemorate the opening of new facilities, or the phasing out of videos
• recommend books

On You Tube, a user’s videos appear on their own “channel”. Here are some library channels with lots of great ideas: Allen County Public Library, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, The Library of Congress, The American Library Association, and The New York Public Library.

The Huffington Post recently featured “Librarians Go Gaga: 9 Of The Funniest Library Videos Ever”. Note their video rating system: the low end is called “Give Them A Fine”, the high end, “Friend Of The Library.

Thing #12 Activity:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Search for and view some videos on a topic of your choice on YouTube. If you can't think of a topic try looking for more library-related videos – there are plenty!

2. Write a blog post about your experience: What's your take on YouTube? What uses do you see for it in your library? Would you use it in your personal life? Be sure to tag your post as “Thing 12”.

Optional Additional Resources:

For more information on using YouTube, see YouTube Help and the YouTube Glossary . The YouTube Handbook includes tips for producing uploading videos.

Optional Activities:

1. Embed the YouTube video you selected into your blog post. Click the Share button under the video for an easy way to add it to Blogger.  NOTE:  Remember to tag your blog post "Thing #12".

AND/OR

2. If you have access to a digital video camera (see if your library has a flip video camera!) or even a cell phone that takes video, make your own video and upload it to YouTube. You’ll find helpful tips in the YouTube Creator’s Corner, Video Toolbox, and the YouTube Handbook. If you do make a video, be sure to embed it in your blog.  We all want to see it!  AND: Remember to tag your blog post "Thing #12".

UPDATE:

YouTube Blog releases list of Top Videos for 2010.  See the list here.