Assessing Homegrown Library Collections: Using Google Analytics to Track Use of Screencasts and Flash-Based Learning Objects

Increasing use of screencast and Flash authoring software within libraries is resulting in “homegrown” library collections of digital learning objects and multimedia presentations. The author explores the use of Google Analytics to track usage statistics for interactive Shockwave Flash (.swf) files, the common file output for screencast and Flash projects. Best practices for implementing Google Analytics are summarized. Examples are provided for the Flash authoring software and the screencast software programs Adobe Captivate, Qarbon Viewlet Builder, and Camtasia Studio. Observations, analysis, and recommendations based on the author's use of Google Analytics to track library screencast tutorials are provided.