Both books under review are part of the Tech Set series and continue the tradition of offering practical technology guidance on “how to use technologies… and how to plan and implement” new technologies.
Both books provide extensive hands on guidance and practical useful instruction on User Design (UX) and Screencasting. Both books are well indexed and written in a clear succinct style, and are only about 110 pages. Both have handy recommended readings and a bibliography, if need be you can further investigate each topic.
The books follow a similar structure and come with a companion web site with further tips and hints.
I like the way the Tech Series allows you to explore and build your skills and understanding of new technologies by providing real life projects that can be used in any library. I really hope this series is set as readings and projects in Library courses throughout the world.
The UX Design for Libraries book by Schmidt and Etches has some great suggestions on the development of Library web sites. For example, the writers suggest copying the professionals by looking at what Google, Amazon etc. are doing when you design, and follow the rule “when in doubt leave it out”.
Interestingly the writers say you should not look at a redesigning your web sites, which is the easy way out. But rather you should consider an iterative design process by making small regular incremental improvements from the ground up.
Presumably if you design your web site well with the user experience in mind you might not need Screencasting for Libraries. Screencasts are defined in the book as short instructional videos that demonstrate any computer related activity.
If you are in small one person library, or even a large educational institution, if you have no budget or a budget of millions and need to provide educational training videos or induction guides then there is something in this book for you. Notess has written a book that is a complete how to for anyone.
Notess in Chapter Five develops a number of screencast projects. The writer starts with very simple projects and then leads the reader through some complex projects. On the companion web site he provides feedback and examples on how the screencast should look.
Both books are well worth buying, I enjoyed the practical advice on the projects. I would recommend both books for any librarian who wants to have a go at reshaping their working environment.
