"Computerized Slide Making"

Susan A. Caldwell, Microcomputer Services Manager
Catherine E. Delia, Microcomputer Specialist,
Reuben L. Sharp
Health Science Library,
Cooper Hospital-University Medical Center, 1 Cooper Plaza
Camden, NJ.

ABSTRACT

Learn how you can produce high quality, professional slides for your lectures and presentations. Sample computerized slide shows will be available for preview. The demonstrators will review the software and hardware components needed for slide making and show you how you can set up this service in your library or department.

PAPER

Employing a computerized slide maker, an instructor can create slides using popular graphics software, such as Harvard Graphics,
and output the images directly to 35mm slide film. The Office of Medical Affairs decided that a slide maker should be part of the microcomputer services offered by the Reuben L. Sharp Health Science Library, serving Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center faculty, staff, and students. Previously, the faculty submitted hard copy to the Photography Department where it was mounted on an easel and shot with a 35mm camera. Several instructors were using graphics software and sending electronic files to slide making services, which charged $4-8 per slide. The Department of Continuing Medical Education advised faculty members to update their slides and to use the library equipment. They quickly made the transition to the new technology, and the library became the focal point for presentation graphics training and slide generation. The slide maker became operational in November 1992 and an average of 32 sessions per month were scheduled in 1993. The reaction to the quality of slides and convenience of service has been overwhelmingly positive. Instructors can create presentations in their offices and output to film in the library. The film is then developed and mounted at a photo finisher within 24 hours. Offering slide making services in the library provides benefits for the users and the institution. Users receive graphics training and support and pay only for film and developing, which averages $.50 per slide. The institution saves money by providing a centralized resource that can be used by all departments. The library becomes an employee benefit and a cost-effective alternative to expensive outside services. Disadvantages include the initial start-up costs and the high level of support required to instruct users and manage the equipment.