ACRL College & Research Libraries News

College & Research Libraries News

Interactive video at Cameron University Library

By Victoria K. Swinney

Video projection can enhance instruction

Cameron University Library is using a video classroom for bibliographic instruction.

The system is based on a Video Projection System which will project two kinds of video and three kinds of computer output onto a large screen. We use a standard VHS videocassette player, a Video Projection Camera, and a per- sonal computer to demonstrate the Virginia Tech Library System (VTLS) online catalog, Infotrac, NewsBank, Wilsondisc, Silver Platter, and traditional reference sources such as ency- clopedias and the serials list. Simply by push- ing a button on a single remote control, we can switch from an item screen of the VTLS online catalog to a map of the library displayed on the Video Display Camera. We can simi- larly switch from a CD-ROM index to the seri- als list and back. Planned demonstrations can be used or students can submit their own search topics. Every semester we offer approximately 150 instructional sessions with 8 to 35 students each.

The personal computer is used to connect to the VTLS online catalog through the Local Area Network for live demonstrations. If students are unfamiliar with computers, the keyboard can be displayed using the video display camera (for example, to show the location of function keys). This system can also be used for staff training in any area of computer use which requires use of the Local Area Network.

The personal computer is also used to demonstrate CD-ROM applications. Automatic loading routines are on the hard disk and each one is a menu option. Various CD-ROM indexes may be demonstrated by switching the discs in the CD-ROM drive and choosing the correct menu option. Data CD-ROMs such as the Economic Censuses and 1990 Census data may also be demonstrated. This demonstration method is a great improvement on bringing classes out to the reference area and gathering around the terminal where only a few students are able to see and many wander off.

Reference books, the serials list, and even the computer keyboard are demonstrated using the Video Display Camera. The camera looks like an overhead transparency projector with a camera at the top instead of mirrors, but it projects a video image through the projection system. It allows for a demonstration of traditional reference sources in the same way computer sources are demonstrated: with a live demonstration. Students watch as the reference book is opened on the screen, they can see the location of guide words, indexes, lists of periodicals, etc., which are used in finding citations. The librarian can then move a lever to zoom in on the specific citation to explain its contents.

Video display is flexible and enables students to easily see maps, handouts, forms and tools. It is also possible to switch from the camera image of a library map or handout to the computer for a demonstration of the tool just located on the map or explained in the handout. This encourages students to add their own notes. New tools can be demonstrated without making large numbers of handouts and transparencies of book pages. Forms for interlibrary loan and microfilm photocopies may also be displayed, as can any other object which will fit under the camera, although focus be comes difficult if the object is more than about four inches tall.

Victoria K. Swinney is reference/bibliographic instruction librarian at Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma

The Video Data Projec- tion System was included in a university Higher Educa- tion Act Title III grant pro- posal. The library lobbied to have one of these systems in- stalled in the library class- room for use in bibliographic instruction. This system was then connected to a personal computer, which was also connected to the Local Area Network and a CD-ROM drive. The Video Display Camera and VCR are also connected to the Projection System. A remote control de- vice is used to switch the Projection System from the computer to the Video Display Camera or the VCR. The system is designed to be operated by a single person with minimum distraction from the presentation.

The classroom equipment is also used by other disciplines. Professors borrow the classroom to show videos and sometimes use the display camera as well. The Department of Physical Sciences has shown particular interest in the system and the display camera for the demonstration of 3-dimensional models. ■