Assignment 7: Podcasting

Podcasting, in my view, is just another technology libraries can use to reach their patrons. Library podcasting may focus on news about events and activities, information about collections and services, instruction regarding how to find information or use resources, etc. 

Libraries need to know their local population and tailor their podcasting activities appropriately. It is wonderful to make information available on the Internet to everyone in the world, but libraries still need to remember to serve their primary clientele first. Some libraries may find their user population is not interested in podcasts yet, but they should continue to monitor the situation in case that changes.

I never thought of using YouTube videos to help with staff training, but I found this mock instruction session that could be used for exactly that:

 

And finally a brief vent:

I have been subscribing to podcasts via iTunes for at least a year without any problems and regularly view and listen to podcasts on my video iPod. I found using Odeo frustrating and plan to avoid it in the future. The interface is cluttered, the searching clunky, and everything I was interested in said "Subscribe in iTunes." What would I bother with Odeo? iTunes is available in both Windows and Macs, so I would encourage others to try it out if possible.

Marcia