2007 Best Practices Exchange: Podcasting

Marisa Ramirez of the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records presented on the use of Podcasts in libraries at the 2007 Best Practices Exchange. Here are some of the highlights of her presentation:

Definition of Podcasting
The method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet using RSS syndication format, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers.

Methods of Distributing Podcasts

Method 1: Host everything yourself
1) Host MP3 files on your own webspace
2) Provide link to MP3 file on your website
2) Post titles, summaries, archives on your website
3) Create your own RSS feed (written in XML) by hand or using an RSS generation tool
Pros: Allows for more customization and format flexibility.
Cons: Requires you to purchase webspace and generate the RSS manually.

Method 2: Utilize free services (Blog + RSS) + Hosting
1) Create a blog
2) Upload Podcasts to the blog
Pros: RSS is automatically generated so no expertise is needed. Online blog services are available free.
Cons: Because this is an "out of the box" solution, it is not as customizable as if you had created everything yourself.

Resources Required:
Marisa described the resources necessary to establish a podcasting program in your library.

Planning
Determine your target audience: who is most likely to use this technology?)
Clarify your mission: what is the purpose of the podcasts?
Figure out logistics: What topics will you address? How long will each Podcast be? How often will new Podcasts be created? What staff will be involved in created the Podcasts? How will patrons access them? Will copyright impact the Podcasts at all?

Technology
PC with audio input capabilities
Audio recording and editing software such as Audacity
Inexpensive condenser microphone or headset
Hosting of the audio files (requires streaming server)

Roles
Project Coordinator
Digital audio editor
Webmaster / Blogger
On-air personality / interviewer
Interviewees

Time
Set up
Gather and plan episode ideas
Record
Edit
Publish
Promote

What Can You Do With Podcasts?
Marisa listed various ways that Podcasts could be used in a library setting. I supplemented the list with examples of Podcasts from real libraries:

Library Tours
Instruction on Information Resources
News and Events
Presentations/Lectures
Library Programs/Services
Book Talks/Reviews
Audio Magazine/Newsletter
Audio Books
How to...

Other Resources
To learn more about Podcasting, Marisa suggested checking out these resources:

About Podcasting and RSS: A Beginner's Guide to Podcasting
School of Podcasting

And Finally...
For a list of libraries with Podcasts, visit: "Podcasting". Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki

For a list of federal and state agencies with Podcasts, visit:
the Free Government Information (FGI) blog