Podcasts

Unfortunately, I can't download itunes on to my work computer, my favorite method of collecting and organizing my podcasts. I tried all three of the podcast directories and still had the best luck with doing a google search on my topic and adding the word podcast. Podcast.net never loaded on my computer, I kept getting the File not Found page. Podcastalley required downloading a podcast aggregator, which I assume I also cannot do on my work computer. So I was left with the Yahoo audio search. When I typed in "children's book review" I got 3 results, 2 of which were PRINT not audio. The one audio result was for a podcast I am already familiar with, Just One More Book, which reviews kid's books. Another library-related podcast I listen to is A Fuse #8 Production, by New York Public Librarian Betsy Bird. She review books, does booktalks and shares industry news. When I did my google search for podcasts, I found the Seattle Public Library's podcast for teens. It was fun to listen to and a great example of what public libraries are using the technology for. It featured a book review by an actual teen, an informal discussion with a group of teens, and the chance to win a prize at the end. It was short and sweet.

When I left Multnomah County Library they were experimenting with podcasting. They had recorded booktalks for all of the current YRCA titles, but I don't see them posted on the library's site yet. They also recorded School Corps' Gotta Read This booktalking program for educators which I was a part of, but I don't think they ended up getting good quality sound. One thing I noticed about the podcasts I listened to was that they mostly sounded like they were recorded in a cave. Compared to the NPR podcasts that I regularly listen to the quality of home-grown podcasts leaves something to be desired.

I think a podcast of FVRL's newsletter would be nice, maybe some book reviews and booktalks. In general, I feel like we've passed audio podcasts and it's time to get creative with the video podcasts. I think Sam's One Minute Critic booktalk site is a great example of what library's can do with video podcasting. I especially like that he is getting other staff involved AND anyone can make a video and he'll link to it. Very cool.

Like with any new technology at the library, before we put alot of time and money into it, we should determine if there is any desire for it. Will people subscribe/listen/view what we are producing? Will we need to educate patrons on how to use the new media? Stuff to think about...