Week 6 - Podcasts

Well, first off I must sheepishly admit something to you all. I didn't realize you could listen to podcasts without an IPod or MP3 player. I figured the brilliant Project Play leaders had rigged a way for us to listen to their weekly podcasts via the computer, figuring not everyone had players. Duh! As Dick Van Dyke repeatedly says in "Night at the Museum": "Moving On!"

I really like the idea of libraries using podcasts for programs, tours, book reviews and book talks, storytime, teen news, group discussions, etc. I scanned the Podcasts in Libraries wiki and checked out a number of the libraries using them: BookTalk Quick and Simple with Nancy Keane, Denver P.L., Manchester, CT P.L., Arizona State U., Grand Rapids P.L., and the Lunar & Planetary Institute Library. I listened to a variety of their podcasts and was amazed at how simple the technology is to navigate. There was even a podcast of kids talking with each other about a popular book series. The kids were enjoying the recording session, and I imagine other kids would like to hear them rather than some stodgy adult talk about a series they might be interested in. I think the potential for library instruction/interaction with patrons may be unlimited with this format! Do I sound excited? I am! I think our library could use podcasts for library events (taped programs that patrons might miss), book reviews/talks, and new book lists, for starters. Tours and Bibliographic Instruction for using certain collections, such as genealogy materials, might be a possibility, too.

I decided to subscribe to some podcasts for my blogroll and was surprised that I already had a link with the Garrison Keillor podcast - I had subscribed to it to read before and didn't realize what that little podcast icon was, that I could listen to the day's recording rather than read it! I am SUCH a podcast ninny - quit laughing! Then I subscribed to the Uncontrolled Vocabulary podcast for library issues. Again, easy and interesting. Finally, I went to podcastalley.com and searched for some quilting podcasts - BINGO! I found 2 that made my day: the Quilting Stash, a twice weekly broadcast, and a podcast for one of my favorite quilt artists Bonnie McCaffrey. Too cool!

I also went to the site for the Project Players to record their own podcasts and listened to what had been recorded. Everyone did a nice job, and it seemed like the instructions were pretty clear. I couldn't think of a single thing to record, so I opted to do the assignment section for subscriptions- I'm not completely fearless, yet!

It was good that the legality/copyright issues were mentioned - I hadn't thought about that. If there's a public performance or visiting lecturer, would the library need to have the speaker sign an agreement to have his program taped and broadcast? Would royalties have to be paid? I can understand if a person reads aloud and broadcasts the entire text of a children's book, then permission must be obtained first. How does that work for reviews of book? I haven't been involved in any of these, so I don't know how far one must go. For that matter, how do Children's Librarians do storytime - a public performance - without obtaining permission - or do they have to? Geez, I don't wanna drive myself crazy overthinking this. Moving On!

I really enjoyed this week's assignment and feel it is a technology that will give libraries a lot of bang for their bucks. Speaking of which -
Jill's Jem for the day: My grandma was an incredibly thifty woman. She could take a nickel and squeeze so hard that the Indian was riding the Buffalo! (does anyone else remember Buffalo Nickels???)