Developing videocasts for integration into a library information literacy program at a medical college

Abstract

Abstract Established in 2001 as a partnership between Cornell University and Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) is part of Weill Cornell Medical College in New York and shares its mission of dedication to excellence in education, patient care and research. The Distributed eLibrary (D eLib) at the WCMC-Q is a library without walls, existing in a distributed electronic environment, transcending space and place. One of its key defining features is its disseminated yet interconnected services, resources, and presence that are accessible, flexible, and dynamic. D eLib’s strategic plan, Futura, charts the future for information resources and services and the library’s role in supporting WCMC-Q’s tripartite mission. It is a challenging and innovative plan, with eight pathways focusing on different aspects of an interconnected world of information, including end-user instruction, application of technology and promotion of library programs and services. The ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education was selected as the conceptual framework for the D eLib Information Literacy Program. It was this planning effort that prompted the librarians to consider multi-media tools, such as videos, to compliment the librarians’ classroom instruction, and to enhance the students’ information related learning experiences and knowledge base. Within this distributed environment infused with technology D eLib introduced DeLibCasts on select, pre-defined topics from the D eLib Information Literacy Plan to facilitate utilization of our resources and services: keyword search, search limits, my account, among others. This paper discusses the planning and implementation process of producing videocasts, from identifying a need, acquiring the right software, development of a consistent layout for each video cast, creation of a framework, involving library staff, promotion and delivery. DeLib currently has nine videocasts available and more under production. An assessment of the D eLibCasts will be part of the comprehensive assessment of D eLib’s Information Literacy Program.