Week 3 discussion

This week our E-branch class had to listen to , view, and evaluate various forms of multimedia content on library websites.
Overall, I think that all the sites I visited are made better by these efforts, however I thiink that still images and video need to be evaluated carefully for quality and relevance. By this I mean that, given the nature of digital photography and the comparative ease with which video can be posted, it is possible to take hundreds of pictures that the average user wouldn't find very interesting. I am not suggesting that a "less is more" mentality should guide every decision, but I do think that three or four pictures of the same event is a little over the top, and I think that some thoght should be given to subject matter. An in-depth photo essay of a staff meeting, or of a parking lot resurfacing, for example, may seem to be of questionable value to users.
That said, I think that still photography and vodcasting present unique opportunities for libraries to provide really useful instructional and entertainment programming. The ability for library staff to actually show, rather than merely describe, basic computer skills, how to use word processors, etc., is an incredibly powerful capability.
Audio content, while in my opinion not as full of possibilities as vodcasting and photography, is in any case another great way to provide useful content. I liked the Curtin library's lecture posts, as well as Manchester library's addition of music from local high school bands. Both are great examples of some of the possibilities for this format.

Week 2, Exercise 2

My AIM account name is dljc172