YouTube MeTube UsTube

I love YouTube. Of all the Web 2.0 tools available to us, I think it's the most valuable. A microcosm of society and all we deem of value and interest. Late 20th century and early 21st century life, captured on camera, uploaded and available to anyone with an internet connection. An immeasurably important archive of huge significance that we take completely for granted.

Think about it. What's on YouTube? Old TV shows, yes. Nostalgic ads, music videos, blooper reels, funny videos about animals, strange Japanese quiz shows. We've all seen them, enjoyed them, laughed at them. But what else is on YouTube? Home movies, breaking news, video blogs, pieces to camera. Everyday people filming what they see, what they think and what they regard as important. And let's be honest, most of it is rubbish. It's ephemera - video junk mail, if you like. But, as librarians, we know the value of ephemera. Yesterday's pamphlets, bill posts and scribbled on scraps of paper are today's invaluable primary sources for social historians and anthropologists. YouTube is a primary source gold mine.

I'm supposed to post a video and blog about it. There's millions out there. Here's a couple.

I can't embed this, because it's a channel, but have a look at citizentube.

And here's a natural history documentary about that strange and elusive creature, the librarian.



Finally, an honourable mention for one of my favourite videos, the Death Star Canteen. Warning, strong language ahead :)