Describes and compares features of six camcorder formats. Identifies VHS and eight-millimeter camcorder formats as the most popular formats used in schools and reports advantages and disadvantages of these two formats as described by school library media specialists. Presents camcorder tips and offers hints for videotape cassette care. (JMV)

Explains how to transfer graphics from paper into multimedia productions through scanning. Discusses uses of scanning in business, government and education; how the scanner works; types of scanners; and general facts about them. Presents tips for effective scanning from professionals, including general maintenance advice. (AEF)

This survey of 200 school media specialists in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina examined media production time and skills. Issues addressed included percentage of time spent in production, the importance of various skills, types of materials produced, and the adequacy of formal preparation for production. (Seven references)…

Outlines seven common mistakes in student-produced videos; suggests ways to avoid them. Mistakes include too much open screen space; unnatural, abrupt transitions between camera shots; odd juxtapositions of performers with background objects; endless talk without shot changes; no space between the subject's head and top of the video screen;…

Describes easy-to-use, easy-to-learn dedicated graphics packages for developing slide presentations shown directly from computers. A general description of the features of five packages and suggestions for software selection are provided. A sidebar provides graphics tips, such as the use of color, typefaces, and formatting, for developing…

Presents tips for creating a successful schoolwide newsletter by using desktop publishing software applications. Provides examples of information to include in a library media center newsletter. Discusses readers' needs, layout and format, graphics, news leads and headlines, and visual images, as well as various newswriting and editing techniques.…