Accessing a Multimedia File
Audio clips and video clips are common types of multimedia files. You must have a multimedia-equipped computer to view them and listen to them.
Video files come in many formats requiring specific drivers in order to view them. The topic is a bit too complex to tackle here. Best first step: Use "Open File" in your browser; it may be able to load an appropriate video viewer.
The situation is somewhat simpler with audio clip formats. Two of the most common formats use the file extensions WAV and MID. For the latter type of file you need to have a MIDI driver installed in your computer, so I'm going to provide an example of the more accessible WAV format.
"Hush! Please be quiet in the library!" But seriously, are we having fun yet? (The joys of doing research on-line at home include some things that you won't find in the average library reading room.)
You might think that audio files are merely an irrelevant accessory, but they are becoming ever more available and more useful. For example, National Public Radio now archives most of its audio programming, including the content of its distinguished news program, All Things Considered. Type "Kennewick" in the search box at
Notice, too, that after listening to a program of your choice, you can order a written transcript if you want to study it in more detail. After identifying a program you want to study, visit
http://www.npr.org/inside/transcripts/
At the "transcripts" site you can even order the material by e-mail!
If you've taken the "Finding and Evaluating Sources" tutorial, you might be interested in visiting an online audio interview with one of the authors of the Newsweek article, "The First Americans." Click "Newsweek On Air: Related Audio" on the page devoted to "The First Americans." [Link expired, sorry- webmaster]
Gathering Information Online Index
| The English Department |
Copyright ©2001 The McGraw-Hill Companies. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of
The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc..
