Sharing Your Video

Identifying Your Users

Who are your users? You probably know who they are, or who you would like them to be. For example, if the reason you are collecting videos is to gather stories in order break down negative stereotypes in your community, your users might be community organizations, law enforcement agencies, or schools. Make a list of your most important potential user types.

Users have different needs in terms of how they want to find videos, and how they want to access them. You may also want to limit access to videos or information according to user type. For each of your user types, consider:

Finding and identifying videos

  • What level of detail do they need in the descriptions you provide?
  • What kind of terms or categories would they use to browse and search?
  • What language(s) do they understand?

Accessing videos

  • Does the user have technological or other barriers that require content to be made accessible in a certain way?
  • Do they need copies of the videos, or just need to view them (e.g. from a website)?

Limits on access

  • Do you want them to contact you or obtain special permission for access?
  • Do you want to collect any information from them before granting access?
  • Does your content need to be edited or redacted before you can share it?
Takeaways
  • Identify your key users, how they want to be able to find and access your videos, and if any controls need to be put on usage.
  • Create a finding aid — in the form of a guide, list, index, and/or catalog — with appropriate access points to enable your users to access your videos.
  • Make use copies from your duplication masters or originals as needed, in the format your user requires.
  • Control access to your collection, if necessary, to protect the identities of those in high-risk situations or to respect privacy.
  • Assume that anything you share or put online can be made public or used without your permission or in a way you do not agree with.
  • Be sure you have the legal rights to provide access.
Key Concept: Informed Concent

There are potential consequences to providing access. This is why you obtain informed consent when you film.
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Key Concept: Generation

Provide your users with use copies generated from your duplication master or original.
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Key Concept: Finding Aid

A finding aid is the tool that you provide to your users to help them find what they are looking for.
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Key Concept: Findability

A key aspect of providing access is making it easy for users navigate and locate what they are looking for.
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The Archiving Workflow

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