Introduction
Written documentation that is easy to navigate is essential in a library software system. However, if video tutorials are also included as part of the documentation, they are very helpful to library staff—especially visual and auditory learners.
Showing Steps
Well-written manuals have clear, easy to follow steps accompanied by screenshots and other visual aids that tell users how to run reports, add items, edit resource records, etc. However, many people prefer tutorial videos to show them how to do things as opposed to reading instructions. Videos go through the steps in real time, so viewers can follow along and try them out on their own workstation, pausing, rewinding, and fast forwarding when necessary.
Convenience
Videos that are “short and sweet” and don’t try to cover too many areas at once allow viewers to pick and choose which ones to watch. Plus, staff can find time more easily to consult shorter tutorials—and are more likely to finish watching them. Support staff can screenshare and walk users through the steps, but that involves choosing a time when both the library staff and the Support staff are available.
Online tutorials can be accessed by users “on-demand” at their convenience. Video links can be placed in the appropriate sections of the online manual. If the videos are available on YouTube or another readily accessible platform, such as the ones available for Surpass Cloud, they can easily be accessed and viewed. If you are planning to move to a new ILS or to automate your library for the first time, these tutorials can also give you an idea of how the software can be used at your library.
Clarity
Videos should also be clear, with visuals that enhance the learning experience. Thorough instructions, covering both basic and advanced features of a function, are needed so that new users and more advanced users can benefit. Tutorials give new users guidance and reassurance that they have resources available at the click of a mouse to help them perform functions in their ILS.
Conclusion
Excellent documentation is an indispensable part of an integrated library system. The addition of video tutorials helps ensure that staff members with varied learning styles can access the help methods that are most user-friendly and convenient for them. Videos are also useful for those who have been tasked with evaluating integrated library systems so they can get a taste of what the software (and the support resources) will be like.
About Surpass Software
Surpass is the easy-to-use, cloud-based library management system for libraries of all types and sizes. Whether you’re a school, church, museum, business, or any other organization with resources to lend, Surpass is likely a good fit for you. We pride ourselves on being affordable and flexible, with an expert support team ready to help you at a moment’s notice.
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