So this past week in class we learnt about different types of streaming media, such as podcasts (both audio and video), YouTube videos and the like.
I have subscribed to and downloaded podcasts on iTunes and to my iPod before, but unfortunately it took me awhile to realize that for the most part, podcasts are free! In my experience with podcasts, I’ve found them quite easy to use, although sometimes the constant downloads, depending on how many subscriptions you have, can be a little overwhelming. Although you can always stop a podcast from downloading if that particular episode doesn’t look appealing.
I think that if used correctly, podcasts could be a really fun and informative addition to a library setting. Library staff could not only subscribe to appropriate podcasts to help keep up with the newest trends in the library world, but they could also use them to help promote their library by making podcasts that could target specific age audiences (teen, children), relate to upcoming holidays, or just generally talk about what makes their library special. The only problem I see with this, is that iTunes seems to be the most well-known program to acquire podcasts, and although a large percentage of people have iTunes/iPods, not everyone does! Shocking, I know! Besides that I think using podcasts would be a cool idea, and i’m interested now to see if any of my local libraries use them.
Brian would not approve of all the book cart riding!
