Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Podcasting - Assignment IV

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H27hllQRhp95Nf5ZXIN9OZbBbJAXSKHR6RT_2Q3djNo/edit?usp=sharing


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            An institutional podcast would be unpublished scholarly work also referred to as a course-cast.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.

1 comment:

  1. Finished already?! I am impressed! How does it feel to be free? :D

    ReplyDelete