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Digital Tutorials Advisory Group: Overview

What does the Digital Tutorials Advisory Group do?

Digital Tutorial Advisory Group (DTAG) supports the development, scalability, and organization of digital tutorials at Yale Library. DTAG also trains and supports library staff on the creation of new tutorials, including pedagogy, scripting, recording, editing, and maintenance.

DTAG supports two pillars of videos at Yale Library:

  1. video tutorials for systemwide services and tools, hosted on YouTube, and
  2. training for library staff to create videos hosted in the Panopto Media Library, directly integrated into Canvas.

Anyone interested in adapting this program at their own library, please reach out to: Kelly Blanchat (kelly.blanchat@yale.edu) and Caitlin Meyer (caitlin.meyer@yale.edu). A preview of the program can be seen on this guide, and we are also able to export the training course from Canvas. All program material is available on Creative Commons BY-NC.

YouTube Support

A set of video tutorials are hosted on YouTube, linked from the library's homepage. These videos are for commonly used Yale Library-specific resources and collections, such as how to find books, journals, and data sets. This set of videos has specific design requirements to match University branding.

DTAG works with a subject matter expert (SME) to create and maintain this content. The SME could be a library staff member, or a committee. The SME is responsible for providing draft scripts, creating the image (still & video) assets, and reviewing and updating the content annually.

If you have a video tutorial idea for the YouTube channel, DTAG can work with you to ensure it meets the standards of the YouTube channel.

  1. Contact a committee member to discuss your tutorial idea
  2. Submit a proposal, which will be reviewed by DTAG, you will be contacted with any follow-up questions
  3. If your idea is appropriate for the YouTube channel, you will be assigned a liaison to get started!

Make Tutorials with Camtasia & Panopto

Library staff can also make their own video tutorials for course-integrated instruction. DTAG is not a working group, but we encourage subject matter experts (SMEs) and committees on video creation.

Editing Time & Office Hours

Camtasia editing software is available for YUL staff to use on-site, installed on 14 PC computers in Bass Library. To use Camtasia, reserve time in Bass L06A/B.

Video Hosting

Instruction videos need to have hosting in order to embed or share (we cannot host these videos on Yale Library YouTube).

  • Use the Yale Library Instructional Media (Panopto) folder. This folder is limited to Yale Library staff. If you need access, contact DTAG co-chairs.
  • Video links and embed codes from Panopto can be used in Canvas pages and on LibGuides - without users needing to authenticate into Canvas.

If you are not familiar with Camtasia or making video tutorials, consider applying for the next Video Tutorials Immersion Program (VTIP).

Staff Training

DTAG supports the creation of video tutorials for specific needs (such as videos for a specific class, or using Advanced Search in a subject-specific database) with staff training through the Video Tutorial Immersion Program (VTIP)All library staff are welcome to apply. No previous video experience is required.

The application period for summer 2023 has closed.

Video: About DTAG & VTIP