Video creation: computer recording, phone recording and video editing tools.

Recommended Technology and Tools for Video Creation

Screen Recording and Video Editing Tools:

Camtasia (Paid): Ideal for screen recording and video editing with features like annotations, captions, and effects.
OBS Studio (Free): Open-source software for screen recording with live streaming capabilities.
Loom (Free/Paid): A quick, user-friendly screen recording tool with options to share videos via a link.
iPhone, Samsungor any other cell (Free apps/Paid phone): Cell phone users have a convenient way to capture library film projects on their own devices and use editing tools like apps or even YouTube.

Video Editing Software

Adobe Premiere Pro (Paid; be on the lookout for free trials): A powerful video editing tool with a full suite of features for complex editing tasks.
iMovie (Free, Mac/iOS): Great for basic editing tasks; includes transitions, titles, and audio options.
DaVinci Resolve (Free/Paid): A professional-grade editing tool available for free with advanced color correction and audio features.

Audio Recording and Editing

Audacity (Free): An audio editing tool for recording and cleaning up voiceovers, especially useful if video sound quality needs improvement.
Adobe Audition (Paid): A more advanced tool for high-quality audio editing, particularly useful for eliminating background noise or enhancing sound clarity.

Graphics and Animation Software

Canva (Free/Paid): Design graphics for your video, including slides, icons, or step-by-step images. Canva can also be used to find templates for storyboarding.
Powtoon (Free/Paid): An animation platform that can create simple animated videos, especially helpful for explaining complex processes.

Closed Captioning and Accessibility Tools

Amara (Free): A captioning tool to add and synchronize subtitles for accessibility.
YouTube (Free): Offers automatic captioning that can be edited for accuracy.
Otter.ai (Free/Paid): Transcription service for creating captions, especially useful for detailed instructional content.

Creating and Editing Your Video

Recording Tips:

Prepare the Environment: Ensure a quiet space for clear audio recording. If recording a live demonstration, make sure the area is well-lit and clutter-free.
Use Screen Recording for Digital Tutorials: Show each step slowly, highlighting clicks and actions with your mouse. Some software allows you to highlight the cursor to make it easier for viewers to follow.
Voiceover Clarity: Speak clearly and slowly to ensure instructions are understandable. If using a script, practice reading it aloud to make it sound natural.
Keep It Concise: Aim for a video length between 2-5 minutes to retain viewer attention. If the topic requires more detail, consider breaking it into shorter videos.

Editing Tips

Organize and Trim Clips: Remove any unnecessary pauses, stumbles, or irrelevant content to keep the video focused and engaging.
Add Visual Cues: Use annotations, arrows, or highlight boxes to direct attention to specific actions or sections on the screen.
Include Captions and Text Overlays: Use captions for accessibility and to reinforce key points.
Check Audio Levels: Ensure the audio is clear and consistent in volume throughout the video.

Publishing and Promoting Your Instructional Videos

Choose a Platform: Publish videos on platforms easily accessible to patrons, such as:

YouTube: Ideal for broad access, with built-in captioning options and easy sharing.
Library Website or Learning Management System (LMS): Embed videos directly on library guides, tutorials, or course sites.
Social Media: Shorter instructional videos can be shared on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to reach a wider audience.
Library Research Guide (also known as a LibGuide). Check out the video "Creating a savvy search strategy" in this Psychology Research Guide.

These are the basics of how to plan, create, and publish library instructional videos, empowering you to use technology to engage and educate library patrons.