I LOVE podcasts.
I have to be honest and say that I think they are one of the best things to come out of the development of the ipod.
Every morning I get on the bus, put on my headphones, and listen to a podcast while I wend my way downtown. I can catch up on Q or the Sporkful or one of the many others that threaten to fill my ipod to capacity.
Looking at what is available in podcast form might be overwhelming. Apple itself has a “Meet the Author” series that allows you to listen to in depth interviews with interesting and acclaimed authors. These take place in Apple stores that would be impossible for most folks to get to, but they can enjoy them with a quick download.
A trip to the iTunes store shows thousands of podcasts, narrowing your search to library related casts still brings up over a hundred results. From audio tours to author interviews to instruction, libraries use the podcasting format to provide information about the variety of the things they have to offer clients.
Cornell University has historical tours. Wadsworth Public Library has a monthly show called “In Good Company” where they talk about books, share information on programmes, and interview local guests. The British Library has three different podcasts and the Library of Congress has four. Or, if you’re looking for something more academic, Library Geeks “invites librarians, geeks, and library geeks to geek out about libraries”.
It is disappointing that there is virtually nothing out there (podcast wise) from Canadian libraries. It seems like they are missing out on a prime opportunity to connect with patrons.
But libraries, please, if you are posting something on the web that is showing you off to the world, put your best foot forward. Its not enough to have someone read a story if they speak in a monotone. And for god's sake make sure your audio is clear. The LA Public Library interview of John Scieszka would have been a delight, save for the surprisingly poor quality of the recording. And don't try to be "hip" and "cool". Just be yourself. A podcast by Fairfield University on Google Scholar is cringe inducing, saved only by the fact it is mercifully short. A prime example of what NOT to do in a podcast.
In a technology heavy world where listeners of podcasts span the gamut of age, sex and race, libraries need to use a 21th century means make themselves more relevant and available. Done well, podcasts are an simple, user-friendly way to do just that.
But libraries, please, if you are posting something on the web that is showing you off to the world, put your best foot forward. Its not enough to have someone read a story if they speak in a monotone. And for god's sake make sure your audio is clear. The LA Public Library interview of John Scieszka would have been a delight, save for the surprisingly poor quality of the recording. And don't try to be "hip" and "cool". Just be yourself. A podcast by Fairfield University on Google Scholar is cringe inducing, saved only by the fact it is mercifully short. A prime example of what NOT to do in a podcast.
In a technology heavy world where listeners of podcasts span the gamut of age, sex and race, libraries need to use a 21th century means make themselves more relevant and available. Done well, podcasts are an simple, user-friendly way to do just that.
