They say a picture is worth a thousand words but a moving picture with words is even better. A video with librarians, or library professionals explaining a concept themselves is a great way to not only get the correct information out there. It also combats fake news and other misinformation that the library fights so hard against. Additionally, is also a great way to promote the library. Today, we will be looking at an example of this.

In April 2014, the Toronto Public Library went on Breakfast Television to discuss a video streaming service that was free to access with a Toronto Library Card. This is beneficial in two ways. Firstly, it gets the knowledge out there that this service exists. It is being promoted by the library itself, with library personnel on air, which leaves less room for misinterpretation. Secondly, this clip can be pulled from the station, and distributed on several different library social media accounts. This means that even though the clip may have aired once, it can still be played again and again at the patrons will. The message still exists, even though the initial airing has past. And it can be used over and over again to promote the Hoopla streaming service, and the Toronto Public Library, as needed.  

At the time this video was released it gave a short but sweet overview of the new e-resources that Toronto’s Public Library had made available for the public. Even though this news segment was broadcast a couple years ago, the ideas and messages it sets forth are still quite relevant today. During the segment, the news channel’s guest from the library discusses how the Hoopla streaming service can be accessed through one’s personal electronic devices like phones, tablets, and the like, while all being at no cost to the user. This shows a great way for the technology that most people use on a daily basis, to be able utilize these library services without having to come to the physical location. Plus, this information is wonderfully balanced by the television hosts’ commentary and testimonials of how some of them still visit the library. And so, throughout the video they promote both the physical library along side with the digital services that are provided.

In a kind of meta way, the viewer is using tech to watch a video promoting tech that the library wants to advertise. And since this video is readily available on the internet one could easily spread through their social media accounts.