Screencasting Through Twitter!

Sacramento Public Library recently began using Twitter as an integral part of how we reach out to our customers. Follow saclib on Twitter to see what we're up to. Because we follow virtually everyone who follows the Library, this method of interacting with our Twitter followers is already paying dividends. A couple of days ago, somebody the Library follows tweeted:

Screenr - Create screencasts and screen recordings the easy way http://ff.im/-6NrN8

I've been toying around with how we might somehow integrate instructional screencasts as part of our developing QR code program at SPL so I followed the link. It turns out that Screenr is an incredibly easy to use service for recording screencasts that can then automatically be tweeted from the Screenr website using your Twitter account. Very cool.

So cool, in fact that I spent the next 30 minutes or so "testing" Screenr and really driving one of my co-workers crazy with my annoying voice overs. Anyway, take a look at a very rough take on how twittering libraries might take advantage of Screenr:



If you watched the screencast, you'll know what I mean when I say this is a rough take but the concept has tremendous potential, I believe. Using short screencasts delivered through Twitter, we can provide useful tips about the Library to folks who have already expressed an interest in our services through their decision to follow us.

Off the top of my head, some other "Here's How at Saclibrary" screencasts might include how to place holds on items, how to subscribe to our RSS feeds, how to use any number of our databases, how to download media, how to subscribe to our Book Bulletin (reader's advisory) selections, even how to log into My Account (not MY account!). There are so many things customers can do in the library that aren't as clear to them as they are to us. This is an exciting new tool to use in making the library a more fun and useful service for our customers.