Selecting the Database
The first step that librarians need to take when creating a video tutorial is to identify need. Libraries often have hundreds of different databases, some of which are rather esoteric and used sporadically. A librarian that has a good understanding of curriculum offered on campus will likely know which databases warrant a tutorial. Generally one can get a good idea of which databases are high-use simply by paying attention at the reference desk. However, this is not always an indicator of which resources students should be using. The best method for determining which databases make the most logical choice for video tutorials is to talk with instructors and find out what they are telling their students. Additionally, there are assignments that instructors hand out semester after semester; at WSU, the Sociology 111 assignment is a prime example. During a meeting with the Sociology 111 professor, the librarian discussed the possibility of creating a video tutorial to help students complete the assignment. The professor agreed that a video tutorial would be helpful and suggested that the video be embedded in Blackboard. Working with professors gives librarians the opportunity to create video tutorials that will be highly used and serve the needs of students.