Presentation Tools in Libraries

 

by Jenny Arucan

As education evolves in the digital age, libraries are expanding their use of technology tools to educate the communities they serve. Incorporating technology in libraries fosters digital literacy and empowers library staff to create content that captures the attention of it’s audience. Among these tools are presentation software. There are many options to create dynamic and engaging presentations. We’ll discuss three of those options in this blog post.

Google Slides: Among the most popular is Google Slides. It is a free, web-based presentation tool. You’re able to collaborate with others and edit the slides in real time. It is very user friendly and easy to navigate. If you know how to use PowerPoint, you’ll know how to use Google Slides. With hundreds of templates, you’re sure to find something that suites your needs.  A tutorial can be found here: Google Slides Tutorial

Canva: Canva is a free, template based graphic design platform. This tool has hundreds of templates allowing you to create something simple like a resume to something more complex like a YouTube video.  The free version of Canva is more than enough to create amazing content, but you also have a choice to upgrade your account to premium which unlocks more graphics, templates, specialty tools, and more. Learn more about Canva here: Canva Tutorial for Beginners

Haiku Deck: Haiku Deck is a unique tool for librarians. Haiku Deck has a partnership with the Getty Museum where you have access to over a million licensed images. These images can be inserted into your presentation and then you have the option to present your presentation online through haikudeck.com or download it into a PowerPoint or PDF. Watch a tutorial here: Haiku Desk - Basic Tutorial

As time goes on, librarians are continuously growing their skills to keep up with the digital age. It is comforting to know there are tools available to empower their reach to the people they serve.

works cited:

Great Presentation Tools for Librarians. YouTube. 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtHAQR4EHoc

Presentation Tools - Presentation Tools in Libraries

Image by vectorjuice on Freepik

A Look at Presentation Tools Used by Librarians

By Amber Scroggy

        Librarians use a multitude of presentation tools to develop engaging presentations. Various programs enable the creation of engaging and memorable lessons, helping students better understand and connect with the content and concepts presented. Choosing the right tool for a presentation depends on the creator’s needs and desired visual attributes. Additionally, there are presentation tools that are integrative, allowing students to actively participate in the presentation, (Whicker et al., 2012).

        There are numerous presentation tools available to meet those needs, and luckily some of them are free, or low cost. Here is list curated in an article by Jennifer Resor Whicker, Kathy Shields and Amy Chadwella that briefly looks at some of the presentation tools used by librarians to enhance library instruction:

•  Prezi - Online tool used to create multimedia presentations and favored for its infinite canvas. https://prezi.com

•  Mindomo - A customizable online mind-mapping tool that allows real-time collaboration. https://www.mindomo.com 

•  Bubbl.us - An online brainstorming tool for creating basic mind maps. https://bubbl.us

•  Lino - Online canvas tool for posting sticky notes, including multimedia stickers. https://en.linoit.com 

•  Poll Everywhere - An Audience response tool for real-time polling via the web, twitter or text. https://www.polleverywhere.com 

•  Google forms - Online form creation tool for collecting response in Google Spreadsheets. https://docs.google.com/forms

•  Evernote - A note-taking program that syncs across internet accessible devices. https://www.evernote.com ​

•  TechSmith Capture - (Previously Jing) A free screencasting tool for capturing images and videos from a computer screen. https://www.techsmith.com/jing.html

•  Join.Me - A screen-sharing and teleconferencing tool

Another screencasting tool that has a free option and multiple pay options depending on your budget and needs is:

•  Screen-o-Matic, (Glusker, 2021). https://screencast-o-matic.com ​

        It is obvious to see that there are numerous options to pick and choose from. Perhaps using one of the brainstorming programs listed above can help choose the right presentation tools to design and enrich your next presentation!
 
        Here is a list of additional presentation tools that may prove useful in creating visually appealing and engaging presentations:

• Microsoft PowerPoint - https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/powerpoint

• Google Slides - https://www.google.com/slides

• Canva - https://www.canva.com

• Keynote (for Mac users) - https://www.apple.com/keynote

• Visme - https://www.visme.co

• Zoho Show - https://www.zoho.com/show

• Slidebean - https://slidebean.com

• Haiku Deck - https://www.haikudeck.com

• Powtoon - https://www.powtoon.com

• Kahoot! - A game-based learning platform for quizzes, polls, and interactive activities. https://kahoot.com

• Mentimeter - A tool for creating live polls, quizzes, word clouds, and Q&A sessions. https://www.mentimeter.com 

• Padlet - A collaborative platform for creating shared boards, timelines, and maps. https://padlet.com

Check out this video that provides a little more information about a few of the tool listed and mentions a few more.

If you made it all the way here....

Thank you for reading!😁

References:

Whicker, J. R., Shields, K., & Chadwell, A. (2012). Free Tech

Tools That Enhance Library Instruction. Virginia Libraries, 58(1). https://doi.org/10.21061/valib.v58i1.1192

Glusker, A. (2021). Screencast-o-Matic. Journal of the Medical 

Library Association, 109(2), 355–358. https://doi-org.palomar.idm.oclc.org/10.5195/jmla.2021.1207

I do not receive any compensation from any party or company listed above. 

Presentation Tools

Presentation tools in the library- By: Marquita Jackson 

Libraries have evolved beyond silent study environments and now serve as dynamic hubs for educational activities and creative collaboration.Modern presentation tools serve as one method to promote this vibrant energy. The use of digital tools by libraries to improve their information sharing methods has grown across all types of programs such as public workshops and teen programs as well as staff training. PowerPoint, Google Slides and Canva stand out as popular tools that enable staff members to produce compelling visual presentations suitable for events and storytimes as well as digital display purposes. Certain libraries utilize Prezi and Mentimeter platforms to enhance audience interaction in their events. Zoom along with Microsoft Teams and Google Meet provide functionality that enables virtual programs and remote education delivery.Patrons working on multimedia presentations or school projects at makerspaces and digital media labs within libraries can utilize video editing software such as Adobe Premiere or iMovie. Certain libraries provide patrons with the ability to borrow projectors and document cameras or interactive whiteboards to facilitate educational sessions and community gatherings. These tools enable library staff and patrons to share ideas in creative ways which transforms learning into an accessible and enjoyable modern experience.

This video talks about the top presentation tools used by library professionals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI5p4BOHvWY

Work Cited

"Top Presentation Tools for Library Professional" YouTube, uploaded by Library Facts, 10 May 2025

Presentation Tools in Libraries

Presentation Tools in Libraries

By Delyssa Story

As an information-dense society, libraries provide a dynamic space for collaboration, learning and engagement. One important service libraries provide is programming to communities through workshops and classes. Libraries can use presentation tools to enhance their own programs or can teach patrons to use tools. In libraries, presentation tools can help in sharing information, supporting community needs, and improving the digital literacy of patrons.

Presentation tools can include a wide range of technologies, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, and Canva. With many of these tools web-based, they are available to use from any location (Dietz and Sinkinson). To learn more about using each of these tools, please watch these videos or visit the links below:

How to make a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint:

1. Watch here for a quick guide - www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5Ij7nUy9UQ
2. Quick guide to creating effective PowerPoint presentation - https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/visual_rhetoric/designing_effective_powerpoint_presentations/index.html
3. Visit here for a more in-depth tutorial - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/powerpoint-for-windows-training-40e8c930-cb0b-40d8-82c4-bd53d3398787

How to make a presentation in Google Slides:

1. Watch here for a help using Google Slides - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYA6GLAzz9A
2. Read here for more help - https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282488#/list

How to make a presentation in Prezi:

1. Watch here for a quick guide - www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT5uz8nxKvQ
2. Visit here for more help - https://support.prezi.com/hc/en-us

How to make a presentation in Canva:

1. Watch here for a quick guide - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8prJ61D_el0
2. Read here for more help - https://www.canva.com/learn/an-easy-guide-to-creating-a-presentation-in-canva/

Works Cited

Dietz, Brad, and Caroline Sinkinson. “Online Presentation Creation Tools.” Association of College and Research Libraries and American Library Association, 2015, https://acrl.ala.org/IS/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/fall2014.pdf