Emerging technology can be described
as innovative and progressive developments in a particular field. Although podcasts are neither new nor cutting
edge, the technology is finding its way more and more into library systems. The
New Oxford Dictionary reports that the word podcast
was chosen as their Word of the Year in 2005. The term is a combination of the
word iPod and broadcast, although since its advent an iPod is not necessary to
listen to a podcast (Sellers, 2007). This audio format links patrons to information
(McDonald & Hawcroft, 2011) and appears more personal as it presents easily
managed chunks of information in the recorders voice (Farkas, 2007). Simply
put, a podcast is a digital audio file made available by uploading to a server
and then accessed either by download, subscription, or through a direct link. An audio file linked on a webpage is not a
true podcast. Without the syndication, it would qualify as an audio file
(Sellers, 2007). The portability of the file makes it ideal for library patrons
on the go. Libraries are faced with many
challenges including how to best meet the needs of their patrons and many are
finding that podcasts help the facility show relevance beyond the print book
collection (McDonald & Hawcroft, 2011).
Peoples and Tilley (2011) define three types of podcasts: institutional,
episodic, and audiobooks. This assignment will address the fundamentals of
podcasting, the advantages in a library setting, possible disadvantages, and
potential application for utilizing the technology in todays library and
information centers.
An
institutional podcast would be unpublished scholarly work also referred to as a
course-cast. These audio files are
especially useful for auditory learners in a university setting. Examples include professor lectures,
supplemental instruction, campus historical information, self guided tours, and
campus news and events. Podcasts can clarify topics in a timely fashion and are
flexible in their availability. Accessibility
is also quicker than traditional published literature. Episodic podcasts are typically found on
directories such as iTunes and could have irregular publication. Science Friday (NPR) and The Journal Report (Wall
Street Journal) are examples of episodic podcasts (Peoples & Tilley, 2011).
The third type of podcast noted is the audiobook, typically commercially
published. Creating a podcast is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Infact, you only need three items – your
information, a computer with a microphone, and open source software for
recording. Depending on your setup, necessary equipment could change to a
digital audio recorder, headphone with microphone or purchased software but for
sake of this assignment the simple, budget friendly route will serve fine. A manageable length of time for a podcast is
recommended, which would vary depending on the information and target
audience. The subject matter should also
be taken into consideration as some information would not translate well over
audio alone.
Libraries
are using podcasts to reach a wider audience including patrons who prefer an
alternative to the traditional print resource.
The format lends itself to multi-taskers , auditory learners, and is a
good fit for many visually impaired patrons. The content ranges from promotion
of library services and programs to educate, news, history, storytime, tours,
and information for those learning English (Peoples & Tilley, 2011;
Stephens, 2007). Sellers (2007) reports
of law libraries utilizing podcasts to answer frequently asked questions (FAQ)
such as landlord-tenant laws, elections, estate planning and disability
laws. Law personnel can also earn
Continuing Education credits through podcasts.
A medical librarian in Warrensville Heights, Ohio reports that podcasts
are used for patients to learn about surgical procedures prior to operations
and that clinicians use podcasts to stay current in their field as the audio
file can be accessible sooner than medical published literature (Peoples &
Tilley, 2011). Ultimately, the usage depends
on the needs, preferences, available content and technical ability of the user
(Farkas, 2007).
Along with
any progressive development there are disadvantages to consider. The most noted being the time involved to
create a podcast. Personnel and allotting
time for recording are the largest challenges (Stephens, 2007). Then, a facility faces the logical questions
of how to catalog and classify the resource, followed by questions over
archiving and licensing as well as accessibility. For many libraries the access is decided
between location on the webpage or in the OPAC (Farkas, 2007; Peoples &
Tilley, 2011). Depending on the stored location, bandwidth can play a factor in
the speed of the download. Even though
podcasts provide an alternative format, the media is limited to the one
recorded speed and not customizable – although there is an advantage of
unlimited use and pausing at the user’s convenience. If a facility is selecting previously
recorded podcasts to download for patrons, there is a question of evaluating
the content and determining the selection criteria (Peoples & Tilley,
2011). It is also difficult to determine the effectiveness of podcasts without statistics. Finally, an audio file is not beneficial for
all types of information. If a patron
wants to peruse the calendar of events, perhaps the best method of delivery is
a webpage or print rather than an audio clip.
Research
articles mention several potential applications for libraries to use podcasting
in their collection. Several systems
have chosen to purchase devices and circulate them with preloaded audio content
(McDonald & Hawcroft, 2011; Stephens, 2007). This works well if a strategic plan is in
place identifying the target audience and the content matches the audience. Available podcasts should be dynamic or the podfade effect may take place, the issue
of lack of new content – no incentive to
listen to the material and the service fades into the woodwork (Peoples &
Tilley, 2011). Specialty libraries may find the technology especially useful as
they can more easily identify needs as noted with the medical library patrons
and clinicians. Currently, there are several free open source programs
available to record podcasts. These
tools should be reviewed to determine their fit into the plan to integrate
podcasts into any library collection. Audacity
(http://audacity.sourceforge.net/), creativecommons.org (http://creativecommons.org/podcasting), ipodder Lemon (http://ipodder.sourceforge.net/download/), and Amarok (http://amarok.kde.org/) are open source sites to help
record or provide music for podcasts. A
few podcasts devoted to the profession are Adventures in Library Instruction,
EDUCAUSE, The Library 2.0 Gang, T is for Training, Whatever Matters,
Circulating Ideas, NCompass Live, This Week in Libraries, Games in Libraries
and LibPunk (King, 2011).
Library personnel responsible for the
podcasting must also be aware of the legalities of recording. All necessary rights and permissions must be
secured. The Copyright Law does apply to
creative and expressive work including performances, scripts, interviews, and
musical and sound recordings. Libraries
must also comply with the TEACH Act and Digital Millennium Copyright Act
(DMCA). A library containing podcasts in
its collection must include the offerings in a marketing campaign so that
patrons are aware of the offerings.
Podcasts are one way for libraries to serve their patrons – another way
to disseminate information in the evolution of libraries and information
science.
References
Farkas, M. G. (2007).
Social software in libraries: Building collaboration, communication, and
community online. Medford, New
Jersey: Information Today, Inc.
King, D. L. (2011, November 10). Library podcasts you might find useful. Retrieved from http://www.davidleeking.com/2011/11/10/library-podcasts-you-might-find-useful/
McDonald, D. & Hawcroft, R. (2011, August). Sound selection: Podcasts prove positive. The
Australian Library Journal, 60(3), 231-236.
Peoples, B. & Tilley, C. (2011).
Podcasts as an emerging information resource. College
& Undergraduate Libraries, 18, 44-57.
doi: 10.1080/10691316.2010.550529
Sellers, C. L. (2007, May).
Are you podcasting? Current uses of podcasts in law libraries. AALL
Spectrum, 10-14.
Stephens, M. (2007, February). Technology connection: All about podcasting. Library
Media Connection, 54-57.
