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Video Creation

This guide outlines the strategic directions and strategies for creating library instructional videos.

University Libraries’ Strategic Directions 2023-2026

The instructional videos created by the Online Learning Librarian incorporate the University Libraries’ Strategic Directions, and concepts such as instructional design, accessibility, and collaboration.  

Student Empowerment and Transformation 

Part of my responsibilities as the OLL is to create virtual environments that provide patrons with resources they need to succeed academically. To do this, I collaborate closely with colleagues to expand patrons’ information, digital, and data literacy skills through instructional videos that focus on library resources, services, and support.  

Scholarly Activity and Innovation 

UNT Libraries is committed to supporting patrons in every stage of the research lifecycle. To do this, I collaborate with colleagues to create and develop instructional videos that meet the needs of researchers (undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff) at the University in the discovery and access of scholarly information.  

People and Processes 

A focus of my recent initiatives has been to embrace a people-first philosophy that values faculty, staff, and student development. To do this, I empower and support library employees in creating high-quality, accessible instructional videos that support patrons in course and research needs.  

Instructional Video Strategic Directions 

This part of the guide will outline the video strategic directions referring to the high-level principles and guidelines for instructional videos. It will provide guidance on the overall direction and emphasis of video-related efforts.

The purpose of creating instructional videos is to: 

  • Enhance information literacy among students and faculty by providing instructional content that helps users develop research skills, navigate library resources, critically evaluate information sources, and effectively use citation tools.
  • Expand access to library services by highlighting different services and resources available to patrons. These videos aim to raise awareness and encourage users to utilize the library's services. 

Students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty, and staff across various disciplines at the university. 

Instructional videos can be a variety of different formats including, but not limited to: 

  • Screencasts: These videos capture the actions and movements on a computer screen along with accompanying audio narration. 
  • Demonstrations: These videos provide step-by-step instructions or demonstrations for specific tasks or skills. 
  • PowerPoint Presentations: These videos use a PowerPoint presentation to explain a specific task or skill. 
  • Interviews: These videos involve capturing conversations or interviews with individuals, such as experts, professionals, or stakeholders and are typically used to provide insights, opinions, or expertise on a particular topic. 
  • Webinars: These videos are online seminars or presentations. 

This is not an exhaustive list of video formats, but rather the most common formats used by library employees. The choice of video format depends on the nature of the content being delivered and the desired outcome.

Instructional videos will contain a variety of different content; however, the structure of the content will typically include: 

  • Introduction: Sets the tone and context for the video, including the learning objectives.
  • Scaffolding: Breaks down complex concepts into smaller, digestible segments to support viewer comprehension and retention. 
  • Logical Sequence: Present content in a logical sequence that is easy to follow. 
  • Visual Aids and Examples: Incorporate visuals, infographics, and real-world examples to enhance understanding and demonstrate practical application. 
  • Summary: The summary provides a concise review of the main points covered. It reinforces the key takeaways and helps viewers consolidate their understanding of the content. It may also include a call to action that encourages viewers to explore additional resources, apply the knowledge gained, or seek further information.

Instructional videos will have quality visual and audio elements including: 

  1. Visual appeal: images and video clips of UNT Libraries, university branding, well-designed layout to create a consistent look, and library intro and extros for each video. 

  1.  High-quality audio: clear audio with appropriate volume levels and minimize background noise or distractions.