Orientation using visual storytelling and the cloud

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how library orientation is given on this college campus to reduce library anxiety and normalize the usage of the library. Design/methodology/approach Orientation was delivered using a multimodal presentation. Librarians created a three segment session using an MTV cribs style video with a library tour, polling technology hosted in the cloud and visual storytelling. Findings Incoming freshmen and transfer students in the library orientation left with the impression of the library as a welcoming space that is frequently used by all students at college. Practical implications This information will enable academic libraries to plan a similar library orientation session to first year students. Originality/value The paper highlights the poster presentation given at the Association of College and Research Libraries' biennial conference held in Philadelphia on 30 March‐2 April. This information will enable academic libraries to plan a similar library orientation session to first year students.