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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 (screencasts), so you see a step-by-step guide on your computer monitor, accompanied by a spoken commentary. Instructions for installing the recommended media player to view library VodCasts are available below.

A transcript of the recording is supplied for each VodCast to help you work through the instructions together with the option to read or print off the relevant library guide.

VodCasts for School of Education students
VodCasts for all students

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

 

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.

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VodCasts on finding information

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

VodCasts	*Flash version (suitable for Windows & Mac operating systems)	Transcript	Library Guide
Using the Library Catalogue
Part 1: How to plan a search (5mins 15 secs)	.htm 3.8MB	Transcript	Come along to a Library Workshop!
Part 2: Navigating through the catalogue (7 mins 44 secs)	.htm 10.5MB	Transcript	QG CAT003
Part 3: Looking for a book (3 mins 18 secs)	.htm 5.6MB	Transcript	QG DBS001
Part 4: Looking for a journal article (7 mins 03 secs)	.htm 15.2MB	Transcript	QG DBS002
Part 5: Finding information on a topic (6 mins 32 secs)	.htm 17.3MB	Transcript	UG CAT001
Using electronic databases
How to plan a search (5 mins 15 secs)	.htm 3.8MB	Transcript	Come along to a Library Workshop!
Using the ebrary e-books collection	Available soon!	Available soon!	QG DBS003 (on-campus) QG DBS004 (off-campus)
Using the Scopus database (8 mins 42 secs)	.htm 19.7MB	Transcript	see Help screens on Scopus

* 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.

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Last update on Tuesday, 07-Jul-2009 09:28:15 BST Aberdeen University Library is a member of • RLUK (Research Libraries UK) • RLG (Research Libraries Group) • UKRR (UK Research Reserve)

Library, Meston Walk, Old Aberdeen AB24 3UE tel: +44 (0)1224 273600 fax: +44 (0)1224 273956 e-mail: library@abdn.ac.uk