Search

DATA IS ALL AROUND US, from the output of your Fitbit to interactive maps that track voters to the latest visualization of the New York Times front page. With the [...]

WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING LIBRARIES and other environments accessible for people with disabilities, the focus tends to be on meeting accessibility requirements set forth in laws such as the [...]

How many times a day do you encounter online videos? Whether you're catching up on news, scanning social media feeds, or following a favorite blog, video is likely central to [...]

INCREASINGLY, LIBRARIANS ARE RELIED UPON TO answer questions and engage in activities involving copyright--whether that means supporting teachers seeking free or low-cost materials for classroom use, developing resources for maker [...]

More than 85 percent of K-12 students have home Internet access, according to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics. But there's no guarantee that students have the [...]

Duolingo has added practice elements and a flashcard option that will make it an even more powerful tool for language learners of all ages. These latest additions will be particularly [...]

Chapter 7, “Video Accessibility Workflows,” of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 3) details a number of workflows related to video accessibility. The chapter covers workflows for evaluating videos purchased or subscribed to from vendors or curated from the internet. It also delves into the workflows for creating captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions in house as well as outsourcing this work. Finally, it discusses the workflow for ensuring accessibility for live online events that will be recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 4, “Audio Descriptions,” of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 3) introduces audio descriptions, including the history of their development. It explains how audio descriptions improve accessibility, instances in which audio descriptions can be useful, and how multiple audio descriptions can be incorporated into videos. It includes a list of best practices for audio descriptions of video content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 3, “Transcripts,” of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 3) introduces the concept of transcripts and specifically delves into the reasons that transcripts can be of use even if videos are already captioned, including not only how they expand access but also how they facilitate other ways of using and navigating video content. The chapter also explains other advantages of offering descriptive transcripts for all audio content. It concludes with best practices for transcripts that will improve access to video content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 2, “Captions,” of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 3) introduces the concept of captions, including the history of their development. It explains the difference between closed captions and open captions. The chapter also introduces the key audiences for captions in different settings and how they use captions. It details the key considerations in deciding how to create captions. It also offers best practices for creating effective captions that will provide meaningful access for users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video content is an increasingly important part of library marketing, outreach, instruction, and more. In order for this content to be inclusive for all patrons, it is vital that it be made accessible. However, large quantities of video content are still shared without adequate accessibility features, such as captions, transcriptions, audio descriptions, sign language interpretation, and accessible media players. This issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 3), "Video Accessibility," will help librarians to understand these various accessibility features and how they are used. It will also give them the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure that the videos they share, create, and purchase for their collections are accessible to all patrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unless you've been totally off the grid for the past month, you know about Pokemon Go, Niantic's phenomenally popular new game. Even by viral game standards, Pokemon Go fervor has [...]

Chapter 6, “Video Accessibility Tools,” of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 3) offers descriptions of common tools used to create and display accessible videos. With a focus on free and affordable tools, it offers suggestions of the advantages and limitations of commonly used accessibility tools that can improve access to video content. The tools cover a variety of stages in the process, including hosting video content and creating captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 5, “Other Considerations for Video Accessibility,” of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 3) delves into other accessibility considerations for video content. It introduces the idea of sign language interpretation in videos, explains the advantages of this approach to access, and describes the importance of avoiding flashing content to avoid triggering seizures. It also discusses the importance of ensuring that the media player used to display videos is accessible. Finally, it offers guidance on designing visual content for videos that will avoid common accessibility issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oh, the places you'll go with Google Arts & Culture. Here's our review. Although nothing can replace encountering art in person, technology is continually improving how we can otherwise experience [...]

Every year on the third Saturday of November, libraries around the world come together to celebrate International Games Day (IGD), an event run by volunteers from the American Library Association, [...]

The article focuses on data literacy and offers suggestions for data literacy education. Topics include data literacy as the ability to understand, generate, and use data, whereas data science as increase of accessible sources of data and the tools to work with, integration of data literacy topics into services for children and teens by libraries offering programming for students and patrons and several places to find public data such as NYC Open Data and the U.S. Department of Education.

Chapter 1, “Why Is Video Accessibility Important?” of Library Technology Reports (vol. 57, no. 3) explains how the prevalence of video content on the internet and the ways in which libraries use video content make it important that videos be made accessible for all users. It also offers background on who has a need for accessible videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the application of gamification, or using game-based methods to promote engagement, learning, and problem solving among individuals, to law libraries. It states that through the use of mobile device software, many companies and organizations are using gamification such as reward systems. Despite its popularity, the author notes that gamification has been criticized for focusing motivation on extrinsic rewards. Gamifying library services and professional development is explored.

The article examines how law libraries can utilize mobile device resources related to mobile tagging. According to the author, mobile devices are useful due to the efficiency of action related to mobile tagging and the increased speed at which library patrons can access information. Particular attention is given to the use of Microsoft Tags, a type of high-capacity color barcode made through a platform from developer Microsoft, and QR (quick response) codes.

The article offers travels tips for attendees to the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Annual Meeting in July 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts including recommendations for dining, information on neighborhoods such as the North End, and descriptions of entertainment venues such as Coolidge Corner Theater.

The article offers travel advice to attendees of the July 21-24, 2012 American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, including historical landmarks, libraries, and walking tours.

The article offers information on the nonprofit organization Creative Commons, which provides certificate and workshops in copyright expertise in the U.S. Topics discussed include the use of Creative Commons' services by librarians in the U.S., the certificate programs offered by the organization, and the views of Kyle Courtney, program manager and copyright adviser at the Harvard Library Office for Scholarly Communication, on it.