Podcasting is a variation on RSS (Real Simple Syndication) wherein the RSS feeds contain automatically downloadable sound files. What are the chances it will take off in the library world? In a word: Good. Before next summer, dozens of libraries, large and small, academic and public, will likely offer their own podcasts.
Although the technology (and term) is only a few months old, podcasting is beginning to create a buzz in the online world. Unlike the content offered through commercial subscription services such as Audible, podcasting allows any organization to seamlessly “push” audio content to anyone interested in listening, including library patrons. Podcasting has been described as Tivo for web-based radio. Plug an iPod or other MP3 player into a computer running free software available from iPodder or iPodderX. If you’re online and have subscribed to a podcast feed (just like an RSS feed) through one of those applications, audio content will be downloaded to your MP3 player automatically. Unplug the iPod from the computer and have a listen. Imagine listening to the latest NPR programming or independent radio on your commute to work, or better yet the latest digest from the Libraries’ blog. The potential uses are endless.
For a directory on podcasts, see iPodder.org or Podcast Alley.
–David Murray
Here at Temple University Japan, there are some discussions about creating a “station” of student produced podcasts. If not this autumn, hopefully it will happen by next spring.
My own Comprehensible Input Podcast isn’t affiliated with TUJ. But I am using to communicate with other ESL/EFL instructors to explore some of the possibilities podcasting can offer to language learners.
I’d be interested in listening to a podcast for librarians. Are there any out there yet?
Scott, the podcast for librarians that I listen to regularly (and the one I hear commented on the most) is Greg Schwartz’s Open Stacks which can be found here: http://openstacks.net/os/