I think
the podcasts and MP3 files are great tools for libraries to use. FREE! You can’t beat that price! This economy
is not going anywhere fast (just watch the debates) and that means libraries
have to get even more adept at finding free ways to reach and teach the public.
Also podcasts are something that appeal to younger users and are simple enough
for any iPhone user to use. One of the biggest problems facing libraries is
that of awareness. A weekly podcast of
upcoming events or new materials is a great way for the library to speak to its
public. The MP3 format will not be around
forever, but it is here to stay for the indefinite future. Podcasts can give audio tours, provide
samples of new audio resources, deliver news, and provide the listener with
information about the library that they can take with them. Unlike a website or
blog that require active reading or browsing by the user, the podcast can be
played while driving or at the gym. Now I feel bad for the person that is
working out to “What is new in your library” but who am I to judge?
One of
the big disadvantages of podcasts is that they are solely an audio source of
information and some information does not translate well into the audio
format. Podcasts are not a panacea for
all of the problems of a budget-impaired library, but they can go a long way to
making the library more popular, better understood, and hopefully more usual to
its patrons. Another key factor of podcasts being a viable tool in public
library is their simplicity. They are easy to create and share. Also even the most technology inhibited
librarian can create a podcast since you simply need to talk in front of a
microphone and we all know talking is something every librarian is good
at. Podcasts can also be used to provide
story time to children. Even an illiterate parent can read a book with their
child using a podcast just by simply turning the page and clicking play.
HA! Your cleverness is painfully obvious in the title.
ReplyDeleteI think you bring up a great point about podcasts being free -- and with all of the downsizing and ugliness affecting our libraries, our libraries need all of the help that they can get. (And one of my personal mottos is "Free is GOOD".)
Also, the idea that an illiterate parent still being able to read to their child through a library's podcast is something that I find heartwarming. Essentially, the library is also helping the parent learn to read as well by following along with the book.
A podcast can also serve for those who are visually impaired. They would be able to listen to a book or any other topic through a podcast. After reading most of the blogs on podcast, it seems that the podcast has a better chance surviving at least for now since it is a technology that has many uses.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that one of the big disadvantages of podcasts is that they are solely an audio source of information. I know I am more of a visual/kinesthetic learner, as are many people, so listening to a podcast might not be the most effective way to receive new information for everyone. Some information is easier to absorb through pictures/charts/graphics/etc. However, there are a ton of advantages as you mentioned. Using podcasts for the illiterate and vision-impaired is a great idea.
ReplyDelete