BCLA Pre-Conference Day

Here in Vancouver now at the first meeting. Podcasting (WordOfTheYear, 2005).

Resource list @ bclacast.blogspot.com.

I made this blog live while I was at the meeting, since I was sitting in front of the computer. I've heard comments by email that this live log should be cleaned up, so I've done some editing and left the mechanics of podcasting out.

What’s a podcast?

Media (usually in MP3 format) available on demand, for any user who has found and set up a subscription to it. It’s on demand, because it's downloadable to a portable media device, usually automated by subscription and RSS. Blogs

How are podcasts being used?
They are already being used for instruction ie: lectures, cooking, languages, music, corp. training.

What’s the potential audience?
There are now more than 55 million MP3 players out there, and many more devices that can play MP3 files.

Why should we use podcasts @ the library?
1) another medium
2) increases profile
3) voice - connection
4) print-disabled friendly
5) media shift - we’re seeing a shift to small groups publishing content

Here are some ideas for podcasting:
1) Promote library services/events
2) Book reviews
3) Storytelling
4) Author readings / guests
5) Community events / campus meetings
6) Panel discussions
7) Bibliographic instruction
Consider as new trend--
8) Reviews / Comments by users/patrons – patron-generated content

Some rules to consider (despite the fact there are no formal rules):
1) Use a consistent format – like radio programs, podcast audiences like to hear a consistent production
2) Produce only when there's content – don’t slavishing follow a schedule
3) Respect the users who subscribe to your feed – produce quality content

A large caveat: Providing podcasts for download can take up a lot of network resources
1) Consider bandwidth -- balance sound quality with file size
2) Bandwidth costs money! Consider bandwidth and impact on institution
3) May want to consider a hosted solution with a free service, especially if IT resources are limited

Interesting questions that came out of the discussion -- could libraries serve as a mirror for podcasts of interest? Set up a page of podcasts of interest? Have live pages that pushed content of interest to its users? Providing podcasting reference -- push list of podcast feeds to user groups?

After the presentation/discussion we talked about how to create a podcast and tried out some tools, all at http://bclacast.blogspot.com/.

Many thanks to Will for the presentation!