Podcasting

1
Podcasting

• A Proposal to the Steven Garwood Library
• by the Party Girls

2
Podcasting

• What is it?
• How is it done?
• What can a Podcast be about?
• How will it benefit patrons?
• How much will it cost?

3
What is Podcasting?

• A Podcast is a digital audio file created by a
  person or group
• It is then uploaded to a website for downloading
  by anyone
• A basic RSS (Really Simple Syndication) code lets
  people subscribe for updates
• New Podcasts can be added, while keeping the
  older ones available for download

4
How do I make a Podcast?

• Record what you want to say to your audience

5
Record? But How?

• You record your podcast onto your computer using
  a microphone and an audio program.
• A basic USB microphone can cost as little as 10.
• The Audacity audio mixing program is free!

6
What do can a Podcast be about?

• ANYTHING!

7
How will this benefit patrons?

• Record a walking tour of the library
• A monthly (or weekly) podcast of library events
  and news
• An audio list of new books, CDs, and movies that
  are arriving

• Record (with permission) lectures, concerts, and
  other events for either podcasts or as
  circulating audio items
• And much, much more!

8
How much will this cost?

• As with any technology, the higher the price, the
  better the service
• A basic setup can run a couple hundred dollars
• For maximum quality, it may run into the
  thousands
• Can expand and upgrade if an audience develops

9
Looking to tomorrow today

• Podcasting is a fast growing technology
• Tens of thousands of podcasts are currently
  available on many subjects
• Can be easily integrated into library websites
  and weblogs
• May attract a younger, techsavvy patron base