Vodcasts

Library VodCasts are demonstrations on how to access electronic resources and find materials using library search tools such as the catalogue and electronic databases. They are video-style recordings or screencasts, so you see a step-by-step guide on your computer monitor, accompanied by a spoken commentary or text box. Instructions for installing the recommended media player to view library VodCasts are available below.

To help you use the library catalogue and databases more effectively, a transcript of the recording is supplied for most VodCasts together with the option to read or print off the relevant library guide. See also our new series of Camtasia recordings of library skills presentations.

New VodCasts will be added all the time so please visit this page regularly to check out the latest additions.

VodCasts on finding information (for all students)

Please read the instructions given below on how to download, play and close the VodCasts before playing a recording for the first time.

* You must have a Flash player installed to play these files. More information about Flash software from Adobe is available online, from where you can also update or download the latest version.

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How to open and play Flash files

1. Left-click with you mouse on the .htm link of your choice.
2. To play the recording click on the link Go to ....
3. The recording will begin to play automatically.
4. Use the X button on the VodCast player control bar (located to the right hand side of the playhead) to close the recording screen and return to the VodCasts web page.

VodCasts on finding information (for School of Education students)

Instructions on how to download and play VodCasts in m4v format are available below.

How to download and view m4v VodCasts on your computer

You can play library VodCasts using iTunes or QuickTime. Windows versions can be downloaded safely and free of charge from the iTunes or QuickTime websites. Library VodCasts in m4v format are suitable for playing on computers using both Dialup and Broadband, and also mp3 players.

1. If you do not have iTunes installed on your computer, go to the website and download the relevant Windows version.
2. If you prefer to download QuickTime, go to the website and download QuickTime with iTunes for Windows 2000/XP . Downloading this version will allow you to use QuickTime as a media player for library VodCasts, and iTunes as a media player and store for library AudioPODs and VodCasts.

For Windows users

1. Select a VodCast you wish to view, then right click your mouse on the m4v link.
2. Select Save target as ... from the drop-down menu and save the file to your hard disk or portable drive.
3. A Download dialogue box will tell you when the download is complete.
4. From the Download box you can choose to either:
   1. open and play the VodCast
   2. close the VodCast to view at another time.
5. If you find that the window playing the VodCast in QuickTime is too large for your monitor screen, click on the very top (grey) bar and drag the window to your left. Click on the □ maximise screen icon located at the far right hand side of the bar to resize.
6. If you choose the first option - to play a VodCast in iTunes - it will open and begin playing automatically from the Movies section of your iTunes Library.
   To enlarge the view simply double click on the picture which appears in the right hand pane. This window can be enlarged by clicking on the bottom right hand corner and dragging diagonally downwards.

For Mac users

Click once on the m4v link for the VodCast of you choice and highlight Open With. Select your preferred media player (iTunes or QuickTime) from the drop-down menu.