Annals of Library and Information Studies

122
Vol. 57, June 2010, pp.122-129
ANN. LIB. INF. STU., JUNE 2010

Podcasting in library environment

Anna Kaushik
Librarian, Modi Institute of Technology,Nayagaon Rawatbhata Road, Kota (Rajasthan)
Email: annakaushik@rediffmail.com

Examines the uses of podcasting technology in libraries and identifies the various podcasting activities taking place in LIS
sector. Reveals that podcasting is spreading rapidly in LIS field and that the technology can be used to promote library services
and products, library instructions and contents to the uers.

Web enabled technologies have broken physical barriers due to widespread availability of broadband and increasing
and are playing a key role in disseminating valuable access to the internet at home, with more than 100000
information in different formats. Web 2.0 technologies podcasts listed on the iTunes Store as of August 20073.
comprise an array of web enabled services which are
used for diverse purposes. Podcasting is one of the Meaning of podcasting
Web 2.0 applications, which enhances the new ways of
A podcast is an audio file made available on internet. It is
information communication, especially content
a combination of two words broadcasting (the term used
information. It is used in the web-based environment
for the transmission of television and radio) and iPod (a
for broadcasting audio. A number of synonymous terms
well known portable media MP3 player developed by
such as audiocasting, audioblogging and webcasting are
Apple computer Inc.). In the podcasting technology, the
used for podcasting. Vodcasting, on the other hand
audio is syndicated, through RSS (Really Simple
consists of video and broadcasting that turned as a
Syndication) feed that was adopted from blog community.
popular medium due to video sharing sites like Google
Anyone can subscribe to RSS feed for any specific
Video and You Tube 1 . According to Wikipedia,
podcast that facilitates downloading new contents of the
“podcasting” term was used for the first time by Ben
podcast automatically when a new podcast is produced.
Hammersley, a journalist, in his article “The Guardian”
on February 12, 20042.
The term podcasting leads people to think that an iPod is
mandatory to download and to listen to podcasts. But
Libraries and other information provider agencies are
podcasts can be downloaded and listened through any
also incorporating podcasting technology into their
MP3 format supported media player or on personal
services by creating, editing, linking and disseminating
computers and even can be burned on CDs/ DVDs
own and other podcasts to their users. Podcasting offers
directly and heard on CDs/DVDs players.
new opportunities to deliver information contents more
effectively and with flexibility to access them anywhere
Review of literature
and at any time users want or have desire to listen.
Most of the literature regarding podcasting in library field
Podcasting is often referred to as ‘push’ technology is on how to create podcast, history of podcast, overview
because information publishers/ agencies are pushing of podcasting and tools required to develop as well as
information contents directly to the users. listen to podcasts. Mahjouri and Purnell provide essential
steps to create podcasts for a library4. Fetaji described
In 2007, Apple Inc. reported that the popularity of the role of podcasting as to produce and distribute
podcasts has exploded over the last two years probably electronic content and enhance the communication level
 KAUSHIK: PODCASTING IN LIBRARY ENVIRONMENT
among various readers through a case study that was
initiated in the South East European Universitya5. Some
authors recommended inclusion of podcasting technology
in libraries to enhance their services. For instance, Kraft
urged to integrate podcasting technology into library
collection and asserted the ways about how a library
could find, organize, evaluate and incorporate the
podcasts programme into their collection by setting an
example of South Pointe Medical Library podcasts6.
Janes emphasized that podcasting needs to be adopted
because it supports library goals7. Murley describes
podcasts as important for law librarians and discusses
ways in which podcasting may be helpful to law librarians
to deliver library services8.
The use of podcasting technology is increasing and
podcasts are being developed by various libraries for
different purposes. Libraries and information centers are
also distributing iPods to their users to intensify their
podcasting services and resources.
Jowitt studied current levels of podcast usage and
perceptions of library instructional podcasts by six sample
podcasts that were made available via New Zealand’s
UCOL (Universal College of Learning) website in MP3
format9. Barnes provided a model for creating podcasts
to promote academic library resources and services,
especially emphasized on government documents
collections by the Mississippi State University (MSU)
Libraries’ project10. Jowitt defined how podcasting
technology could be used to provide instruction sessions
by the librarian and for promotion of information
Fig.1— Working of podcasts (Adapted from a model of podcast publication and subscription presented
by Margaret Maag13 )
123
communication11. Worcester and Barker expressed that
podcasting is a recent phenomenon on the internet that
explores possibilities to act as alternative tool for academic
and public libraries through a description of the University
of Texas at Arlington Libraries’ experiences12.
How podcasting works
A podcaster records and edits using suitable software
and produces an audio file often in MP3 format that may
contain lectures, interviews, instructions etc., and posts
the final audio file on internet server. Thereafter, RSS
(Really Simple Syndication) feed is added in audio files
through any RSS feed generator software like Feed
Burner/ Feed for All etc., or with the help of any blog
software. The audience of the podcast uses address of
the RSS feed file to subscribe the podcast by using any
podcast reader/ aggregator/ podcatcher software such
as iTunes, Jiuce, iPodder etc. Once subscription for
podcast is setup, the podcatcher software will
automatically check the new MP3 files recently added
within subscription. If there is any update found, podcast
reader starts to begin downloading these new files and
other accompanying files also. The audience of podcast
has option to synchronize and download podcasts with
other multimedia devices such as a mobile, MP3 player
and iPod etc., to use them any where during their leisure
time.
Objectives of the study
• To examine the use of podcasting technology in
libraries;
124 ANN. LIB. INF. STU., JUNE 2010
Fig. 2 –– Podcasting website of The Library 2.0 gang
• To identify the podcasting activities taking place
in online resources in library and information
science area; and
• To review some prominent podcasting websites
available in LIS sector.
Methodology
An extensive search was conducted through three search
engines, viz., Google, Yahoo and MSN using a
combination of different search terms such as library
podcast, library podcast blog, library podcast database,
and library podcast journal. A few resultant podcasts
relevant to LIS field were retrieved through above search
engines, Apart from this, podcast directories like
Podcastalley, Podcastdirectory and several online
resources such as databases, journals, websites, and blogs
etc., were also searched to access podcasts in library
and information science field. The identified podcasts
were thoroughly examined to know the possible use in
libraries and podcasting activities governed through
various online resources. Finally, a few selected podcasts
in each category of online resources is reviewed.
Use of podcasting in libraries
Presently, many libraries and information centers are
using podcasting technology for various purposes.
Roberts pointed out the uses of podcast for information
literacy14. Alden Library podcast on the Ohio University
libraries web site gives information regarding entire library
in 15.3 MB (about fifteen minute audio) with necessary
direction floor by floor15. Lunar and Planetary Institute
Library – What’s New Podcast highlights new additions
to the library collections, tips on using library services
and resources16 for information about library tour and
instructions. Georgia Perimeter College Library Listen
Up! produces podcasts on monthly basis since 2005 that
focuses on library related news, events and promotion
of library services17. OPAL podcasts deal with library
staff development including training sessions18 for
conferences, tutorials and training sessions. South
Huntington Public Library has published various audio
books19. “Talking with Talis” website is imparting
information in podcast format about conversations held
among different technical leaders on the latest technology
issues like web 2.0, library 2.0 and semantic web20 for
lectures, interviews and resource guides. Lib Vide website
provides news in podcasts format about what is happening
in the library and literary world21 for professional
development and learning tool.
However, use of podcasting technology can vary from
library to library where each library develops podcasts
according to their information needs or focusing an area
of the services. By using podcasting technology in library
services, users have another option to get readymade
information in portable format that promotes mobile
learning environment.
 KAUSHIK: PODCASTING IN LIBRARY ENVIRONMENT
Fig. 3 –– Library website with podcasts Mississippi State University
In the following sections, a few selected podcasting
sources relevant to LIS practitioners and professionals
are discussed.
Podcasting website
There are many websites that contain podcasts on various
subjects. For example, http://librarygang.talis.com/ (Fig.2)
provides a podcast named as “The Library 2.0 gang” on
library and information science which is a monthly
roundtable podcast which has been joined by several
contributors (professionals) from libraries worldwide to
discuss the technological issues/ topics of the day that
influence them. Each month, the library 2.0 gang is joined
by a guest for a discussion on a topic of interest. It is
produced by Talis and syndicated by Library Technology
Guides. Each entry has the title, host name, date and
time of entry posting, time duration of podcast and details
regarding podcast but does not mention the length of
the particular podcast. Its first entries were made on
March11, 2008.
Library website with podcasts
The Mississippi State University (MSU) during the Fall
(August) 2006 semester, began a project to develop
podcasts that promote the Library’s numerous resources
and programs to the university’s students, faculty and
staff. Through this initiative, the library’s various
125
departments submit podcast scripts on their materials
and services to the Podcasting Committee, who then
record and edit the scripts before posting them on the
Library’s website at http://library.msstate.edu/
podcast.html (Fig. 3). Additionally, the Committee creates
a podcast named as “This Week @ Your Library,” which
contains information on upcoming events taking place
throughout the MSU Libraries. Another podcast entitled
as “Didgiknow” imparts information regarding services
offered by MSU libraries. Beside this, several episodes
on various topics like College of Veterinary Medicine
Branch Library, survival skills, MSU faculty authors
podcast, access services and Government documents,
microforms, and current journals department are also
listed in the form of podcasts in (.mp3) and (.m4a)
formats. The government documents and microforms
(GD/MF) department views the podcasting initiative as
an opportunity to bring the library’s United States
Government and United Nations collections directly to
patrons. The “Podcasts @ Your Library” web page is
the gateway to the MSU Libraries’ podcasts. This web
page provides a brief description of what podcasts are,
as well as instructions on how to access and play them
on either a computer or MP3 player, and links to both
RSS feeds and podcast files from individual library
departments, but, the above web page do not provide
any information regarding posting date, time duration,
length / size, and transcript of the any podcast.
126 ANN. LIB. INF. STU., JUNE 2010

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 KAUSHIK: PODCASTING IN LIBRARY ENVIRONMENT
Fig. 6 –– LIS podcast on blog OPAL
Journal related podcast
First Monday podcast, at http://www. firstmonday -
podcast.org/ (Fig.5), is a monthly online audio programme
featuring stories on all aspects of the internet,
investigating the recent trends, standards, technical issues,
educational uses, political and social implication of the
internet. The periodicity of the First Monday podcast is
similar to its first peer review journal First Monday
focusing on novel ideas of the history and current use
and future of the Internet. First Monday podcasts lead
users behind the scenes to meet the people, targeting
students, educators, researchers, and professionals in the
field of information technology, library science, computer
science, communication and any users who are
associated with political, legal and educational issues
attached with the internet. The aim of the First Monday
podcasts is to provide reliable, credible review of
technology and information science podcasts based on a
set of criteria suitable for unique attributes of online audio
media that are adopted from a research article published
in the journal Libri in December, 2007 named as
“Developing criteria for podcasts22 “ written by Joy
Austria and a set of criteria used by “Edgy review from
that podcast show23 “.
Its review criteria contains three main parameters viz.
(1) Content, (2) Presentation, (3) Technical aspects. Each
main parameter also consists of many specific sub
127
parameters and each sub-parameter comprises several
questions related to assess quality of technology and
information science podcasts.
First Monday podcasts contain title, brief summary,
month and year of the each podcast available in MP3
format, describing length and time duration along with
its related transcript view. Its extra features lead users
to its concerned references from where podcasts are
selected. The archives of past podcasts are also available.
First Monday’s podcasting began in August 2007.
LIS podcast on blog
The blog OPAL(Online Programming for All Libraries-
all Users) available at http://opalpodcast.blogspot.com/
(Fig. 6) imparts information such as interviews, book
discussions, current happing/ events, library training,
memoir writing workshops, and virtual tours of special
digital library collections in the field of library and
information science. OPAL was founded in 2003 by the
Alliance Library System, the Mid-Illinois Talking Centre,
and the IIlinois State Library Talking Book and Braille
Service and administered by TAP information services.
It contains various podcasts with brief summary, length
of podcast, time duration, recording date, labels and has
facility to post the reaction regarding any podcast of any
user in the form of comments. OPAL also comprises
related link, previous posts and archives since March
128 ANN. LIB. INF. STU., JUNE 2010
Fig. 7 –– Podcasting for education and training: The University of Arizona
2005. The frequency of OPAL podcast is irregular and a
huge gap was found among the entries, for example, the
last three entries were posted on August 20, 2008, January
23, 2009 and January 30, 2009.
Podcasting for education and training
Some schools of library and information science are also
involved in podcasting. They are generating various
podcasts on library and information science subject. For
example, http://sirls.arizona.edu/recordings (Fig. 7), the
School of Information Resources & Library Science at
the University of Arizona is a pioneer school in distance
education since 1985 offering various courses in library
and information science including master’s level for the
library and information professions focusing on services
and technologies for the creation, organization,
management, access and use of knowledge and
information resources in libraries and other information
settings and environments. The School of Information
Resources & Library Science (SIRLS) podcast page
offers podacsts on educational events, lectures of guest
speakers and other kinds of live presentations combined
with in audio, video and supplementary presentation
material, for the use of students, faculty, alumni, staff
and others in the SIRLS community. Began in March
2006, the site provides guidelines and software required
to play and download each podcast. It depicts the
abstract, date and time of posting, title, and producer name
of every podcast but does not denote length, time duration
and format of the podcast in each entry. Apart from this,
navigation, calendar and events, guided exportation to
browse or search podcasts by audience, people, course,
task, topic and guided keyword and access to past
podcast archives of SIRLS facilities are also available.
The currency of podcast is monthly but sometimes
two podcasts are also posted in a month and all podcasts
are categorized year-wise.
Advantages of podcasting
The following are the advantages to libraries as well as
users:-
1. On demand availability (anywhere and anytime)
of information is the key feature of podcasting
technology.
2. It could be an interactive and learning tool
especially for distant users.
3. Cost effective as this technology can be
managed with minimal hardware and software.
4. Its portability attribute enables users to carry and
access without much peripherals and promotes
mobile learning environments.
5. The developing staff and users of podcasts can
use any operating system to create and listen to
podcasts as they are compatible with almost all
operating systems (Windows/ Mac/ Linux).
6. Repeated listening flexibility enables users to get
better understanding and control on the
information.
 KAUSHIK: PODCASTING IN LIBRARY ENVIRONMENT
Conclusion
Podcasting is spreading rapidly in every field. Libraries
and information centers and other information publishers/
agencies are including this technology into their products
and services to provide exact information in new and
mobile format. In India, many online resources such as
websites, journal and blog etc., are available on internet
in library and information science domain but none of
the library/ information agency/ resource is found
engaged with podcasting activities. It is suggested that
information agencies should make their podcasts
attractive and more informative so as to build a
remarkable product for users that enables them to
approach information contents to listen anywhere at any
convenient time to those they have subscribed via RSS
feed and set podcasts as a reliable source of information
for various purposes which could helpful in saving users’
valuable time.
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