Podcasting (L4L)
- What it is
- Libraries and podcasting
- How to get started
- Free tools to help you create a podcast
- How to find podcasts
What it is
"Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers." (Wikipedia, 8/9/2006) Many mainstream sites offer podcasts as a regular part of their web content, for example, visit NPR online and you'll find loads of podcasts available for free download.
Libraries and podcasting
Libraries have been joining the trend and are offering podcasts of their own. One example of a library podcast service is Thomas Ford Memorial Library's Click-A-Story. The library has created audio recordings of library staff reading children's books. Patrons can click on the story they want to hear and listen to it being read on their computer. They can also subscribe to the podcasts, so the stories can be downloaded into iTunes and loaded into an iPod or other mobile device. Other libraries record public programs, so patrons who couldn't attend can still participate. The Library Success Wiki includes a list of libraries providing podcasts to their patrons. Check it out to get more ideas for what you could do at your library.
How to get started
Interested in podcasting, but not sure where to start? There is a lot of information on the web, but here are a few selected sites to get you going.
A Beginner's Guide to Podcasting: Part
1 - A Consumer's Guide and Part
2 - A Creator's Guide
SirsiDynix Institute offers a fantastic archive
of FREE online events, and Greg Schwartz's
sessions are just what you need to get started with podcasting. Take an hour
or so to listen to what he has to say, and you'll be off to a great start.
Podcasting @ the University of Wisconsin - Madison
The UW has put together a very helpful site on podcasting. Sections include,
"what is podcasting?, "teaching and learning with podcasting," "examples
of podcasts," "how to create and deliver podcasts," and "additional
resources on podcasting." While some of the information is specific to UW,
most can be used by anyone.
How to create your own podcast - a step-by-step tutorial
About.com has a pretty decent tutorial on the steps it takes to create your own
podcast. Basic information on
software and how to create an RSS feed of your podcasts to syndicate your content.
Free tools to help you create a podcast
Audacity
A cross platform sound editor that is easy to use and is FREE. Recommended by
all of the resources listed in the How To Get Started section of this page. Use
it to create and edit your podcasts.
Odeo Studio
This site allows you to create podcasts for free and offers you a place to publish
them if you don't have space elsewhere. You can record your podcast anywhere
with your phone. What could be easier?
Gabcast.com
Another free service that allows you to record a podcast using your phone or
VoIP.
How to find podcasts
A search for "podcasts" in Google will yield a lot of results, but if you want to search only podcasts for a topic you're interested in, you might want to try one of the sites below.
podscope
An audio and video search engine. The New York Times on podscope: "Introducting:
the first search engine that can find podcasts according to the words spoken
during them!" A great tool to zero in on content of interest to you.
SingingFish
Allows you to search for audio and video. You can choose the format you prefer,
as well as the categories in which you're interested.
Yahoo! Podcasts
A user friendly and attractive site that will not only help you find podcasts,
but includes information on how to publish your own. Definitely worth a look.
Podcast Alley
"The podcast lovers portal."
Pick a podcast genre, and you'll receive a list
of podcasts to take a listen to. Genres include, but aren't limited to: business,
cultural/political, environment, movies/films, sports, technology, comedy, travel.
Find Podcasts
A directory where you can search in categories much like the site above, but
a nice addition is
"kids and teens." Check out new podcasts, rated podcasts, or popular
podcasts, too.
Podcasts can be a great way to get your programs out to people in your community or a new way to interest kids in your services. Use the resources above to explore this technology and consider offering a podcast (or two or three or more) at your library!
Supporting public libraries in Outagamie and Waupaca counties