Course Materials: Course Guide 4: Collection Use

Audio and video materials are often packaged to resemble books, but we still recognize that they are different than books. They usually are stored, handled, and treated differently than books. Some require a specific type of player equipment, that provide a user interface and delivery system. However in today's still converging technology environment, audio, video, books and other media format are more and more being delivered to the user via the Internet. As media librarians, we need to examine those instances of difference between media formats and determine the ways for optimum use.

At a fundamental level, the use of any material is to meet a user need, to serve a purpose; i.e, entertainment, interest, learning, emotion, etc. The manner that audio and video collections are used involves planning, facilitation, and evaluation. Learn more about use issues and concerns for audio and digital collections:

Read (1) Collection Use: Overview, (2) Collection Use: Effective Use of Audio and Video, (3) Collection Use: Media Literacy, (4) Collection Use: Media Literacy: Media, Children, and Society, (5) Collection Use: Learning with Audio and Video, (6) Collection Use: Learning: Audio, Video, and the Differentiated Classroom, (7) Collection Use: Learning: Books and Movies in the Classroom, and (8) Collection Use: Learning: WebQuests and Lesson Plans.

Sprout # 10: Collections Use (Points Possible: 2 for posting, 1 for reply)
[Complete one of the following options and post your discussion and reply at Oncourse]

10.1: Supporting Children - (Complete both parts) Explore several of the topic articles at Kids - Teens and Media from Child Development Institute. What experiences have you had with the use and misuse of audio and video materials? What is the role of audio and video for children and young adults? What can and should libraries do to promote positive uses of media? In your discussion, provide specific guidance and examples.

Download (PDF) and read the online publication Thinking Critically About Media: Schools and Families in Partnership from Cable in the Classroom. Choose one chapter to read in-depth. Do you agree or disagree with the author(s)? Select three points of interest. Include library connections and provide ideas and examples from your experiences.

10.2: Making the Media Literacy Case - Read the off-site article, Making a Case for Media Literacy in the Curriculum: Outcomes and Assessment by Erica Scharrer (Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, Dec 2002) from Reading Online, or Media Literacy: An Alternative to Censorship (pdf) (2003) by Marjorie Heins & Christina Cho from the Free Expression Policy Project. Go to the Center for Media Literacy and skim some of the articles (sections) for added understanding of the ideas, and history of the initiative.

Using one of these article(s) as a starting point, select some aspect of media literacy such as evaluating advertisements, identifying bias in news coverage, increasing diversity, examining the accuracy of a historical fiction movie, etc. Focus your discussion on the related issue(s) and ideas and involve libraries. List specific skills that are associated with your literacy topic. Describe an activity(ies) that would help address this area. What resources could be used to support this activity?

10.3: Media, Children, and Society - (Complete one of these two activities) Explore the materials at Media, Children, and Society from Multimedia Seeds. Read the off-site article Guidelines for Rating Children's Television from PBS's Ready to Learn for another side of the issue. Read the off-site article The Impact of Television & Video Entertainment on Student Achievement in Reading and Writing by Ron Kaufman. It's only one of many articles focusing on video and children. Where do you stand on the issue of television, children, and teens? Make your case and provide examples and citations where possible.

Skim the off-site materials available for Taking Charge of Your TV (PDF document) from Cable in the Classroom. You'll need to download the PDF files. This page contains links to a guide for parents and children and connects to a series of Video Clips (you need Windows Media Player to view these clips). Develop a "parent's night" activity plan that would focus on helping parents "take charge of the TV."

10.4: Movie Guides - Read the following off-site articles: FILM and the Young Adult Novel by Harold Foster (The ALAN Review, 21(3), Spring 1994) and Teaching Tomorrow's CLASSICS by Mary Ann Tighe and Charles Avinger (The ALAN Review, 21(3), Spring 1994). Many educators and publishers have created viewing guides to accompany films. Read Andrew J. Douglas's One Film: Teachers Manual. Also examine a film guide such as Of Mice and Men and Empire of the Sun: Theme and Scene Analysis (PDF). What criteria, what type of things do you look for in a good film guide for viewers? Are there any additions or revisions that you would recommend? How might you use these in a library - be specific in identifying purpose, audience, etc.

10.5: Auditory Literacy - Skim through some of the sections of Sound Learning from Minnesota Public Radio. Check out some of the ideas for various subject areas. Select some aspect of auditory literacy such as listening to music, stories, or oral directions. List specific skills that are associated with an area. Select one and describe an activity for public or school libraries that would help address this area. What resources could be used to support your activity?

Project #3: Collection Use Project [Complete one of the following options]
(20 Total Points Possible)

This is your chance to build your own project. Select an area of professional interest and design a project that uses audio and/or video sources and collections as part of a project, program, or event. You must develop the materials for the project (i.e., survey, lesson, promotional posters) and implement some aspect of the project in a "realistic" situation. In other words, you might not be able to send a survey to the "real patrons" but you could solicit a dozen people to try it. You may not be able to implement an entire media literacy unit, but you could work with a teacher to implement some aspect of the unit.

Go to Project 3 Examples to see a list of examples from previous classes.

Choose from ONE of the following options or build your own:

Option 1: Patron Survey
Work with a librarian (or use your own library) to develop a patron survey related to some aspect of audio and video collections. Be specific. What will help you build a more effective library? You must design

Required Elements and Checklist
Completion of a full-blown survey is not required. Rather you may design and develop a survey, administer and collect data from a small group of friends or colleagues as a test of procedures . .
* Identify setting and description / overview (1 Point)
* Population (1 Point)
* Need / purpose (1 Point)
* Procedure for developing survey (2 Points)
* Survey tool (2 Points)
* Procedures including time frame, steps for completion, etc. (3 Points)
* Survey Results (4 Points)
* Analysis of the Results (2 Points)
* Specific conclusions / detailed recommendations for next steps such as purchases or programs (2 Points)
* Professionally presented document(s) layout and presentation (i.e., professional, logical structure) (2 Points)

Option 2: Media Literacy Lesson(s)
Combine a media literacy standard with a content area of standard. Choose a specific area such as "the history of advertising", "music and society", or "separating fact and fiction in news programs". Develop a media literacy lesson(s) for a particular grade level and content area. Be sure to include audio and video in the lesson presentation and learner activity.

Required Elements and Checklist
* Described need, purpose, setting, audience, description / overview (2 Points)
* Provided lesson components (i.e., motivation, content information, strategies, activities, assessment) (8 Points)
* Incorporated audio and video components plus Media Literacy aspects (4 Points)
* Provided sample components (i.e, handout(s), presentation material, related documents) (4 Points)
* Professionally presented document(s) layout and presentation (i.e., professional, logical structure) (2 Points)

Option 3: Media Integration
Many existing resources can be integrated into library promotion and classroom activity materials. Develop a unit or set of event materials that contains existing audio and/or video clips. Be sure that you cite the resources you use. Or, you may combine existing materials with audio and video you create. This should be a collection of materials, not just a single document. You should describe the entire set of materials and create the required materials. If students will be developing audio and video materials for their projects, you should provide an example you've developed.

Examples:
History of Radio Project - webpage with archived streaming audio clips, audio clips in Timeliner software, and audio comments in Word for student evaluation
Books, Movies, and Fairytales Promotion - PowerPoint with video clips from movies, Word document with audio-rich story links, audio recorded on KidPix
Rap and Urban Society - PowerPoint presentation, Word document, and Inspiration document

This is a technology-rich project that should include at least three different software or website tools that incorporate audio/video components such as:
Microsoft Word (i.e., insert audio and/or video clips, record original audio directly into the document)
Microsoft PowerPoint (i.e., insert audio, video, and/or CD-audio, link to clips on the web, record original audio directly)
Web Page (i.e., link to audio and/or video clips, embed audio or video into the page)
Other Development Software such as KidPix, Kidspiration, Inspiration, and Timeliner
Other Website Software such as online video or audio editor

Required Elements and Checklist
* Described need, purpose, setting, audience, description / overview (2 Points)
* Incorporated audio and video components into library promotion or student activities (4 Points)
* Provided technology components (i.e., motivation, content information, strategies, activities, assessment) (12 Points)
* Professionally presented document(s) layout and presentation (i.e., professional, logical structure) (2 Points)

Option 4: Library Promotion
Develop, plan, implement, and reflect on a library promotion project including an event or events along with promotional materials such as handouts, banners, brochures, or posters. The events should be related to a topic such as "banned movies", "critical viewing", or "movie classics". Consider connecting the event to a national activity such as audiobook month or the Academy Awards.

The program should be aimed at a particular audience with a specific need such as a parent program focusing on "watching television with your children", "audiobooks at bedtime", or "choosing videos for teens".

Required Elements and Checklist
* Identify setting, need(s), purpose, description / overview (4 Points)
* Promotional activities plan; description, details, timeline, assigned responsibilities, etc. (4 Points)
* Sample materials (Emphasis on quality, attractive and professional appearance) & evidence of activities (6 Points)
* Focus on audio and/or video components (2 Points)
* Budget spreadsheet (2 Points)
* Professionally presented document(s) layout and presentation (i.e., professional, logical structure) (2 Points)

Option 5: Audio or Video Club
Develop, plan, implement, and reflect on a new library "audio or video" discussion group or club. For instance, you might promote a Friday Evening "open mic" event focusing on a mix of live music. You might support this club with a podcast, wiki project, or other ongoing activity.

Required Elements and Checklist
* Identify setting, need(s), purpose, description / overview (4 Points)
* Program activities plan; description, details, timeline, assigned responsibilities, etc. (4 Points)
* Sample materials (Emphasis on quality, attractive and professional appearance) & evidence of activities (6 Points)
* Focus on audio and/or video components (2 Points)
* Budget spreadsheet (2 Points)
* Professionally presented document(s) layout and presentation (i.e., professional, logical structure) (2 Points)

Option 6: Collection Development
Build a digital audio and/or video collection that could easily be accessed by patrons. It could be available on a website, CD, or DVD. It must have an audio and/or video emphasis, but might also include other items such as documents or photographs. A library collection is much more than a bunch of CD or the web. You should create a consistent format for storing and access the materials. Each audio or video item should be part of a physical collection, database, or standard web page format that can be easily accessed using keywords, multiple indexes, or other user-friendly interfaces using your electronic catalog or your own system. Each item should contain a separate entry with useful information. The interface should be effective, efficient, and appealing.

Examples:
- Children's audiobook collection
- Adult documentary DVD collection
- Religious music CD collection
- Historical events "key moments" web-based video collection
- How-to podcast collection

Required Elements and Checklist
* Described the need, purpose, setting, audience, description / overview (4 Points)
* Specified the selection criteria (3 Points)
* Detailed written explanation of audio and/or video components (4 Points)
* Described other material components (2 Points)
* Discussed collection maintenance / support (3 Points)
* Provided specific budget spreadsheet (if the collection includes subscription or purchased items) OR a detailed description of how the collection will be updated as new items are available (2 Points)
* Professionally presented document(s) layout and presentation (i.e., professional, logical structure) (2 Points)

Option 7: Action Plan
If you'd rather focus on something more academic, deal with a particular issue at work, or want to investigate a technical issue highlighted this semester, consider writing a paper on a current topic. This should not be a duplicate of a paper for another class. It must contain an "action plan" component that highlights how the information will be used in a particular situation. For instance, you might explore the topic of cybersafety and develop a plan for a family library night program on this topic. Some ideas are listed below:

* webcasting and streaming for libraries
* cataloging digital library collections
* off-air digital recording
* grant writing for digital audio and video collections
* digital audio and video libraries for a specialized collection

Required Elements and Checklist
* Described the need, purpose, setting, audience, description / overview (2 Points)
* Provided a well-written report on a specific topic of inquiry (6 Points)
* Contained timely, well-cited professional literature (4 Points)
* Provided a detailed action plan (6 Points)
* Professionally presented document(s) layout and presentation (i.e., professional, logical structure) (2 Points)

Option 8: Your Own Design. Develop, plan, implement, and reflect on another type of project related to audio and video.

Required Elements and Checklist
* Need / purpose, setting, description / overview (4 Points)
* Content aspects; explain who, how, what, and when and how (4 Points)
* Technical aspects (4 Points)
* Audio and/or video components - detailed written explanation (4 Points)
* Sample component(s) (2 Points)
* Document layout and presentation; i.e., professional, logical structure, etc. (2 Points)

Project Sharing / Submission
Although it is suggested that you provide feedback for classmates, it is not required for this assignment.

Your final product can be submitted in any form, however be sure that it is accessible to others. If you use Microsoft Word, please SAVE AS a .doc extension (Windows 98-XP) rather than a .docx extension so everyone can read it. A PDF file is the preferred format for written documents.

Share your project in an Oncourse message in the Project 3 area.

Project #4: Virtual Help Desk Project
(15 Total Points Possible)

You are in charge of the audio and video collection in a real or fictional library of your choice. One of your responsibilities is to respond to incoming questions from patrons providing them with accurate, efficient, and clear information. With limited staff, you've decided to create a website to address some of the more frequently asked questions about audio, video, and gaming at your library. Your job is to create a virtual help desk presence for your department. The project should be built for a specific library patron audience, not simply for your instructor. Do not include references to the "class" or your "instructor" on the page. Make it real.

You may choose to simply create categorized lists of FAQs (frequently asked questions) and answers. However you may wish to do something more creative such as incorporating original audio or video, building in links to websites, or using examples from a real collection. It's up to you. Just be sure to meet the requirements below.

Virtual Help Desk Website Requirements:
1) Include the answers to at least 30 common audio/video questions. You must include the answers to at least 15 of the following questions as part of the 30 required. (10 Points)
Why is MP3 music so popular? What's the advantage of the MP3 digital audio format?
What's the difference between closed captions and subtitles?
What's the difference between an abridged and unabridged audiobook? Why would I choose one or the other?
What's the difference between instructional video and educational video?
What's the "Freedom to View" statement?
What are the video game ratings categories?
What's the difference between downloading and streaming a video from the Web?
What is the difference between an uni-directional, super-directional, and non-directional microphone?
What is an audio or video mashup? Are they legal?
What does it mean when a teacher "re-purposes" a video?
Why would I want to subscribe to a YouTube channel? How would I do that?
When I'm making a video, what is the purpose of the close-up shot?
Does the library have a collection development policy for nonprint materials? Why?
Are DVDs or videotapes affected by magnetic field? Why?
What is a guerilla video production?
What is inter-shelving of materials? Why would a library consider that?
What's the difference between a streamed audio file and an audio podcast?
A website says I need the Quicktime player, where do I find this online?
I want to download audio programs from the National Public Radio website on my iPod. How do I do that?
What's the difference between a documentary film and a "regular" movie?
2) Include information about audio, video, as well as gaming as part of your project. (.5 Point)
3) Include headings, navigation, and other strategies to help patrons easily access your information. (.5 Point)
4) The project should be visually pleasing and professionally presented. (1 Point)

Written Report Requirements:
Along with your project, you should include a short written report detailing the audience for this project (i.e., rural public library, medical library, middle school library). Also, discuss your thoughts about the needs addressed by the project. Highlight the unique features of your project and discuss why you think it would be effective in addressing patron needs. (1 Point)

Feedback Requirements:
Read the work of your peers. Provide a detailed critique of TWO of your peer's projects. This critique should include specific examples of strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for making the project more effective. (2 Points)

Options:
1) Create original web pages and upload them to your own web server or Oncourse Workspace.
2) Use GoogleSites, Weebly, Wikispaces, PBworks, or another online tool to create web pages.

Your project must be web-based. It should not be a Word or PDF file.

Project Sharing and Feedback
Share your project in an Oncourse message in the Project 4 area.
1) Provide a written overview of your project. This written requirement can be written as a forum message, as a Word attachment, or as a separate page in your web space.

2) Provide the URL of your project.

3) Provide critiques for TWO of your peer's projects in the form of replies to their project posting.