title: Production of the next-generation library virtual tour.
abstract: While many libraries offer overviews of their services through their Websites, only a small number of health sciences libraries provide Web-based virtual tours. These tours typically feature photographs of major service areas along with textual descriptions. This article describes the process for planning, producing, and implementing a next-generation virtual tour in which a variety of media elements are integrated: photographic images, 360-degree "virtual reality" views, textual descriptions, and contextual floor plans. Hardware and software tools used in the project are detailed, along with a production timeline and budget, tips for streamlining the process, and techniques for improving production. This paper is intended as a starting guide for other libraries considering an investment in such a project.
authors.affiliation: Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242-1098, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Roth
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D005160:Facility Design and Construction / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D019146:Hypermedia; D007255:Information Services; D007484:Iowa; D007993:Libraries, Medical / Q000592:standards*; D007999:Library Services / Q000592:standards; D010934:Planning Techniques; D014495:Universities; D014584:User-Computer Interface