LITE Bites: broadcasting bite‐sized library instruction

Abstract

PurposeThis paper sets out to describe a successful collaboration between the UCLA Library and a campus‐based student television production team to create and broadcast a series of short library commercials. Librarians provide content ideas and editorial oversight; the students write, act, produce and broadcast these “Bites” on the Office of Residential Life cable television station. They are also converted to streaming video for access from the Library web page. Reactions and feedback on the clips from student focus groups provide valuable insight into the preferences and attitudes of the undergraduate population. This article also seeks to discuss library partnerships to produce videos and the use of visual media for marketing and instruction by public and academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review of previous academic and public library video and television projects discusses the benefits of collaboration, costs, and lessons learned. The case study of LITE Bites details its genesis, production procedure, feedback from student focus groups, and future directions.FindingsLibrary collaboration with the student production team is the key to the success of this project. The production team relishes the creative opportunity it presents them, and they learn about the library, its resources and services. Student viewers report that LITE Bites make the library seem friendlier and less intimidating. And the library is delighted by the successful cross‐campus collaborations and positive publicity and marketing.Originality/valueThis paper provides ideas and examples from this and other successful projects for other institutions considering ways of using television and other multi‐media venues for library outreach and instruction.