What is a podcast?
A podcast is an audio or video file that is distributed via the Internet. Podcasts usually focus on a particular topic, are published on a schedule, can range from two minutes until an hour, and include a summary and notes referencing any resources discussed. You can find podcasts on practically any subject. Try viewing or listening to your favorite NPR or CNN program, health tips from the American Heart Association, book reviews, or podcasts from the White House.
Podcasts can be syndicated via RSS (Really Simple Syndication), an XML based file format that delivers content to you, instead of you going to the content, allowing users to receive new or updated podcasts automatically. Subscribe to podcasts using your favorite aggregator (Bloglines, Google Reader) or a podcatcher (iTunes, Juice, Odeo). Discover podcasts by using a directory (Podcast Alley, Education Podcast Network, Podcast.com, and iTunes Podcast Directory) designed specifically for locating podcasts.
An iPod is not required for listening or viewing podcasts. Most computers are already equipped with media players (Windows Media Player, Real Player, Quick Time) which support a variety of audio and video file formats. However, if you want to listen to a podcast in your car or while you are on the go, you will need a MP3 player or an iPod. So whether you are walking around the Weevil Pond Trail, in your office, or relaxing outside on the deck, you have access to information when and where you need it.
Create a Podcast
To create a podcast, you will need a computer connected to the Internet, speakers, a microphone, recording and editing software (Audacity), server space, and a quiet place to create your masterpiece. That’s it.
Still confused? Check out this video from the team at Common Craft. They do an excellent job of making complicated topics easy to understand. It takes a while for this file to download. You might want to turn the volume down or off until the entire video is downloaded. Then crank the sound back up and watch the video.
Readings
Fredrick, K. (2008, February). The Web Is Alive with the Sound of…Podcasts. School Library Media Activities Monthly, 24(6), 46-47. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from Research Library database.
Gordon, A. (2007, September). SOUND OFF!: The Possibilities of Podcasting. Book Links, 17(1), 16-18. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.
Griffey, J. (2007, June 15). PODCAST 1 2 3. Library Journal, 132(11), 32-34. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.
Jowitt, A. (2008, April). Creating Communities With Podcasting. Computers in Libraries, 28(4), 14-56. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.
Examples
Hunter College City University of New York (CUNY): Podcasting @ Hunter – Library Resources
University of Oklahoma Libraries: University Libraries Presents . . .
Buffalo State University of New York Podcasts
Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science: GSLIScast
Activity #1
What interests you? Do you like to keep up with politics, personal finance, news, movies, books, or library stuff? Use a podcast directory (Podcast Alley, Education Podcast Network, Podcast.com, iTunes Podcast Directory) to locate a podcast. Subscribe to the podcast using your favorite aggregator (Bloglines, Google Reader) or iTunes.
How can libraries utilize podcasts to improve library services? Create a post to share your thoughts and ideas on your blog. Don’t forget to include the link to the podcast you located.
Activity #2
If you are feeling creative, go ahead and set up your own personal podcast recording studio. When you are ready, share your podcast with us on your blog.
