I recently came across an interesting article from 1997 which discusses screen capturing as it existed then:
Ekhaml, L. (1997). Taking electronic snapshots of your computer screen. School Library Media Activities Monthly, 13(8), 40.
The article describes some of the programs and capabilities of various types of screen capturing software available at that time. What is most interesting is that after reading the article, I realized that not a whole lot has changed since then. Although much of the hardware has changed, the basic concept of screen capturing is still the same after more than 12 years, which seems like a lifetime from a technological standpoint.
Programs such as SnagIt (also created by TechSmith) have been around since the early 1990's, and have indeed added numerous functions to create a better screen capturing experience and keep up with new technology. But, as I stated before, despite all the upgrading, the basic concept remains the same. It will be interesting to see if and how these programs will change as technology becomes more interactive into the future.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Resource Review 3 - Jing and Virtual Reference
The following article discusses the potential benefits to libraries in using screen capturing software in virtual reference:
Sekyere, K. (2009). Enhancing your virtual reference services with video snippets. Kentucky Libraries, 73(2), 18-20.
The author explains that video clips created with programs such as Jing can help librarians in virtual reference services in a variety of ways. A librarian handling a virtual reference question may create a video walking a patron through a particular series of steps in finding sources of information. Once the video is created, the librarian can send the patron a link to the video, and the patron may save the video and use it over and over, or share it with another person. This would be especially helpful in chat or email services and would allow patrons using virtual reference services to better utilize librarian assistance.
Even though there are other screen capturing programs available for purchase, the author states that libraries might consider using free programs such as Jing as a preliminary test of these types of services. Once they have become familiar with screen capturing software, they may better evaluate other programs, determine how each might benefit their reference services, and then figure out which program to purchase if necessary. For smaller libraries, the free programs are optimal due to limited budgets.
Sekyere, K. (2009). Enhancing your virtual reference services with video snippets. Kentucky Libraries, 73(2), 18-20.
The author explains that video clips created with programs such as Jing can help librarians in virtual reference services in a variety of ways. A librarian handling a virtual reference question may create a video walking a patron through a particular series of steps in finding sources of information. Once the video is created, the librarian can send the patron a link to the video, and the patron may save the video and use it over and over, or share it with another person. This would be especially helpful in chat or email services and would allow patrons using virtual reference services to better utilize librarian assistance.
Even though there are other screen capturing programs available for purchase, the author states that libraries might consider using free programs such as Jing as a preliminary test of these types of services. Once they have become familiar with screen capturing software, they may better evaluate other programs, determine how each might benefit their reference services, and then figure out which program to purchase if necessary. For smaller libraries, the free programs are optimal due to limited budgets.
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