Podcasting at the Library...
What is a podcast?
Think of it like a radio broadcast that is produced regularly and made available for download via your computer. As a podcast consumer, you can "subscribe" to any podcast that you like, and once subscribed, it will be automatically delivered to your PC. When there, you can listen to it at your convenience. You can even download it to a mp3 player or ipod, and listen to it anytime, anywhere.
There are four steps to the podcast process.
- The broadcast is recorded and produced.
- The broadcast is 'published' on the web and made available to potential subscribers.
- Subscribers use special software applications to sign up, or 'subscribe', to a podcast.
- Subscribers listen to the broadcast.They can listen right on their PC, or download to a portable MP3 player. And whenever a new edition of the podcast is available, their software will automatically retrieve it for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need an Apple 'iPod' to listen to podcasts?
NO! Though the term 'podcast' is derived in part from the brand name of iPod (iPOD plus broadCAST), you don't need an iPod to subscribe to or listen to podcasts. There are several free software programs for both Windows PCs and Macs that manage subscriptions and retrievals of podcasts, and once a podcast is downloaded to the user's system, it can be listened to through the computer speakers or through ANY mp3 player.
What is the benefit of podcasting?
Podcasts are a great way to communicate information in an entertaining manner. And they're portable. They've been described as TiVo for internet audio, because they let users save content digitally, and listen to it at their convenience.
Why is the library producing podcasts?
Podcasts provide a medium for kids and adults alike to share their thoughts about favorite books, to inform others of upcoming events, and to deliver it all to a wide audience in a convenient and inexpensive way. They help the library stay in touch with the portion of our customers who have an interest in technology. Finally, the podcasting process provides an opportunity for our teenagers and young adults to practice digital recording, mixing and mastering skills.
How can I listen to the library's podcasts?
There will be links to our weekly recordings right here on our website. If you want to "subscribe" to our productions and listen to them at your convenience (after all, that's what makes a podcast a podcast!), you'll need to install 'podcatching' software on your PC. There are all sorts of free programs available (click here for a list), including the very popular iTunes program that is available for both Apple Macs and Windows PCs.
For more information about the podcasting revolution, and for lists of the thousands of available podcasts covering hundreds of subject areas, check out some of these sites...
To subscribe to the library podcast, enter the following URL into your podcast catching software...
http://www.gilfordlibrary.org/gpl/podcast.asp