WHAT IS ITUNES U?

Chelsea Bryson
Reference Intern

UH's iTunes U Page

We are currently collecting material for a new system called iTunes U. iTunes U is a resource that allows students to download audio, video, and PDF files. Many institutions are using iTunes U to enhance the collegiate learning experience. iTunes U is the University of Hawai'i's own iTunes store where material is free to all those with a UH login name and password.

The collection began in the spring of 2007 with archival video clips from the Video Encyclopedia of the 20th Century. First we selected clips on a few topics including U.S. History and Hawai'i Pacific material, and various other topics; then we converted the selections from laserdisc to m4v format. The collection then expanded to include other public domain items from the library including hours of footage from the Pacific Arts Festival of 2000.

In addition to converting materials we have also created instructional materials. Tutorials on the Voyager Catalog were created and uploaded onto iTunes U; these can show how to use your Voyager account to request movies, renew materials, and the many other functions of Voyager. We are beginning the process of making tutorials on using online resources the most recently completed is "How to Use JSTOR".

iTunes U interface

We have also included enhanced podcasts (video) on using Endnote and how we create podcasts at the Sinclair Library. The newest additions to iTunes U are recording of lecturers on campus at UH Manoa. This project is ongoing and continually updated; it is led by RuthMarie Quirk the Manager of Operations at Sinclair Library. We are using technology to reach out to students and enhance their educational experiences.