Videoconferencing and Libraries

Introduction | Satellite teleconferencing | Videoconferencing | Online learning
Supporting distance learning in your library | Distance learning opportunities for library staff
Contact

Videoconferencing use in libraries is steadily increasing. While there is a wide proliferation of videoconferencing opportunities for library patrons, opportunities for the education of library staff are now increasing as well.

Videoconferencing defined

"Videoconferencing in its most basic form is the transmission of image (video) and speech (audio) back and forth between two or more physically separate locations." [The Videoconferencing Cookbook] Using cameras, microphones, a network and a series of protocols, a person or group of people in one location are able to communicate in real-time with a person or group of people in another location.

Key points about videoconferencing

• Videoconferencing allows live interaction between all participants
• Videoconferencing can be room-based, portable, or desktop-based
• The two most popular umbrellas of videoconferencing standards are H.323 (IP-based videoconferencing) and H.320 (ISDN-based videoconferencing)
• Any two videoconferencing units placing a call using the same standard should be able to videoconference with each other
• If videoconferencing units are not based on the same videoconferencing standard, a gateway is necessary to connect the two protocols together in a call
• A multipoint control unit (MCU) is typically necessary for a videoconference involving more than two sites -- unless the videoconferencing unit has a built-in capability to handle multipoint calls
• Some videoconferencing systems offer features such as application sharing and file sending

How libraries are using videoconferencing

Libraries are using videoconferencing to bring training to library staff and to bring educational and information-sharing opportunities to their library customers and community. Some libraries allow public use of their videoconferencing equipment and thereby attract new customers and raise money to help cover their telecommunications costs in the process. Some libraries have formed IP-based videoconferencing networks to allow unlimited videoconferencing between participating libraries on the network. Some state libraries have helped member libraries acquire videoconferencing equipment through grants and statewide discounts.

Videoconferencing has grown significantly in California libraries with a statewide videoconferencing project and network called Project VIDEONET. Some of the most valuable information available today related to videoconferencing in libraries is attributed to this project:

• Survey of Videoconferencing Use Among U.S. Public Libraries (March/April 2003)
• Guidelines for Community Use of Public Library Videoconferencing Services
• Project VIDEONET Newsletters and Resource Page

Other states with a large number of videoconferencing-equipped libraries are Iowa and Maryland:

• Iowa Communications Network
• Maryland's Sailor Video Network

Public libraries in Texas with videoconferencing capability -- we would like to keep this list current, please send updates to ld@tsl.state.tx.us.

• Abilene Public Library
• Austin Public Library
• Brownsville Public Library
• Denton Public Library
• Ennis Public Library
• George Memorial Library
• Houston Public Library
• Howe Community Public Library
• Nacogdoches Public Library
• Wichita Falls Public Library

For more in-depth information

For in-depth information including frequently asked questions about videoconferencing technology and links to other videoconferencing resources, please visit the Texas State Library's Videoconferencing Web Page.

next OR return to top