GOOGLE HANGOUTS ON AIR: How Libraries Can Use Google Hangouts

How Libraries Can Use Google Hangouts on Air?

• Host any program (i.e. story hour, guest speaker) held at your library and stream it live!
• Book/Author Discussions:  Users can watch and/or participate from anywhere
• Research or reference sessions: one-on-one or group
• Demo new technologies or share resources
• Host a staff or committee meeting

Advantages:

• Free
• Great method to reach your community beyond your library’s physical space
• Record programs and post on your website or social media for later viewing. Views only need access to YouTube link.
• Live Apps allows for a variety of sharing and participatory activities. 

Disadvantages:

• Host of hangout may experience technical glitches such as camera, internet or microphone difficulties
• Participants must have access to either a smart phone, tablet or PC that has internet access with at least a microphone capability.  Viewers must have internet access

Next time: Let’s Meet in a Google Hangout On Air! November 10 at 1 pm EST (click on link to attend or email bonnie-lafazan [at] berkeleycollege.edu for an invite)