Online Tutorials for Information Services: A Case Study of IIITM-K

Abstract

Widespread use of Computer based products and services in libraries necessitated special training to its users. These compelled libraries to create tutorials for user education programmes. This case study describes the experience of Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management- Kerala in utilizing online tutorials for the user education programmes. Discusses about tutorials and different types of tutorials like offline and online tutorials. Explains applications of online tutorials in libraries, giving special importance to ‘Wink’, which is a free software for developing screen capture tutorials. Describes the features of ‘Wink’ and advantages of screen capture tutorials for libraries. Also gives an overview of how IIITMK library made use of online tutorials for providing user training on different web based information services, for providing e-learning for library staff, for library publicity and for training library professionals. Also highlights the professional training initiatives undertaken by the library and in developing online tutorials in local language.