Hangout at the library: video conferencing and more with Google+

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to review the features of Google+ Hangouts and to discuss how it would be useful for libraries. Google+ Hangouts is a free, easy-to-use video conferencing Web application that allows users to host, record and broadcast online meetings. Design/methodology/approach – This is an observational paper. Findings – This paper discusses the implications of Google+ Hangouts for libraries and reviews the main features for getting started and using Google+ Hangouts and Hangouts On Air. Originality/value – Google+ Hangouts has been specifically reviewed very rarely in prior library and/or technology literature. This paper addresses some features and uses for Google Hangouts as an audio-visual communication tool within libraries – observations not found elsewhere in the reviewed literature.