I never really listened to podcasts before I got my nifty IPod and went to the ITunes store. I was of the mind that you needed an MP3 player in order to get the most out of podcasts. Boy was I wrong! Almost all of the podcasts that I listen to (which are free) emphasize the fact that no MP3 player is needed to listen to and enjoy podcasts. Now when I find a good podcast that I think others will like I let them know: “All you need is a computer with some speakers!”
I think podcasting is doing something really great for all kinds of different communities. My own podcast taste is varied and I am greatful that there are so many different kinds of sites to listen to. I am a big gamer and play World of Warcraft and there are even podcasts for that!! There are completely ridiculous podcasts and really beneficial podcasts. One that I found very helpful is that of “Grammar Girl” from QDNow.com. They are short 5-7 min. clips of grammar questions and answers. By the way, if my grammar isn’t so great; don’t blame Grammar Girl; she does what she can.
In my own opinion, I think that libraries should have pathfinders to podcasts for their patrons. It would be something useful to have for those who are in a rush or who don’t really enjoy reading yet still want to use library services. It’s really convenient to listen to podcasts when your stuck in traffic or doing the dishes or waiting for the kids after soccer practice. The point is that people have the ability to learn something constructive while doing things that they don’t necessarily want to be doing. Podcasts have the ability to bring something fun and worthwhile to dead time.
I commend anyone who takes the time to think about grammar! I’ll have to check out grammar girl. We have such a great language, and those who use it well, and correctly, really make a good impression on me. And that ain’t easy to do. Sorry. Seriously, I’m getting hooked on podcasts, too. See my blog for a cool link to an early podcaster.
Comment #2
After reading your blog, I was happy to find out I didn’t need to have an MP3 Player. I was under that impression too. I checked out Grammar Girl and really enjoyed it. I think I am going to use it. Thanks for letting us know.
Your right as future librarians we should spread the word about free podcasting and a list of podcasts for our patrons is a great idea. The techy patrons are sure to appreciate it.
Like Semi, I also do not have an MP3 player, although podcasts are probably a good incentive (along with audio books) to get one. Providing pathfinders (electronic?) is a great idea, but I am concerned about updating and currency. This would be a whole new responsibility for librarians– I imagine it could become a full time job in itself.
Podcast production could be another future library position. The library could produce self guided tours of the facility, how to’s for using databases, even independent learning modules for computer classes, so that patrons can attend at their convenience.
Reading more about podcasting I was really amazing at how easy it is to subscribe to a podcast and to automatically download them. I was also surprised at how easy it is to create your own podcasts. This sort of technology has an incredible number of uses in both public and academic libraries. Podcasts could be used to provide patrons with tour information to help guide them through the library, to provide instructional guides on a particular subject or to capture and share lectures by professors or guest speakers. Very cool technology with so many great possibilities for libraries.