iLibrary:The Use of iPods and Podcasting in Libraries

Meghan GatesLSC 742

Themes in Library TechnologiesMarch 9, 2009

Executive Summary

• Introduces the use of iPods and podcasting in libraries– Defines mobile technologies– Outlines how these tools are being used – Pros and cons– Why these technologies are and should be used in

libraries.

Methodology and Scope

• Article and Website Review– Database Searches– RSS Feeds– Delicious Tags

• An introduction to these mobile technology skills1.To determine how libraries are currently

incorporating mobile technologies2.To determine why libraries are / should employ

mobile technologies

Introduction

• Mobile technology is everywhere • Mobile technology is a gateway• All mobile technologies share common

threads– Devices are portable – Devices are able to access the internet

• Apple Dominance

Why Use Mobile Technology?

• Again, mobile technology is everywhere

• Barnes and Noble Model

• Use it or Lose Them

• Extending the library’s services

Defining the Apple

• iPod– Handheld MP3 player– Audio and Video

• Podcast– Pre-recorded online radio program– Downloadable with anytime, anywhere playback– RSS feeds on websites and via iTunes

Podcasting

• Quick, Easy, (basically) Free, and Ongoing• Library Uses:– General Information and Updates– Tours– Reader’s Advisory– Special Events• Story time• Author Talks• Poetry Readings

iPods

• Patrons have them - the library can buy them• Library Uses:– Preloaded Material• Reserves• Music and Art Classes• Speech and Foreign Language• Tutorials

The Downsides

• Still evolving

• Cost – Financial and Human Capital

• Fear and Misunderstanding (Patrons and Staff)

• Legal Issues (Copyright and Privacy)

The Downsides

• Constant upkeep

• Technology breaks. Often.

• Providing a reason to stay home

The Benefits

• Becoming a part of the patron’s everyday life

• Low in cost

• Many patrons already recognize the benefits

and know how to use the tools

The Benefits

• Built in passion

• It helps our patrons

In Action: Podcasting

Albert R. Mann Library (Cornell University)- Video and audio only podcasts- Author talks and literary events

Denver Public Library- Children’s Storytime

In Action: iPod Tours

Bostock Library (Duke University)- Multi-part downloadable audio tours- Lasts for approximately 25 minutes

C.V. Starr East Asian Library (Columbia Univ.)- Audio tour of the library facilities- Six languages including English, Chinese, and Tibetan.

In Action: Reserves

Crouch Fine Arts Library (Baylor University)- Audio reserves via online download- 12-hour iPod loans pre-loaded

Duke Divinity School Library (Duke University)- iPods on 3-hour reserve preloaded with audio instructions to database tools

Take Away Messages

• Already pervasive

• Can be extremely low cost

• Putting our services in the path of the user

• It helps our patrons

Questions?

For the record, I was not paid by Apple to write this paper. I don’t even own an iPod.

ReferencesBalas, Janet L. "Carrying the Library in Your Pocket." Computers in Libraries. Sept. 2007: 27, 8. p.36-38

Berk, Jaya et al. "Innovation in a Podshell: Bringing Information Literacy into the World of Podcasting." The Electronic Library. 2007: 25, 4. p.409-419.

Coombs, Karen. "The Mobile iRevolution." School Library Journal. July 2007. p.28-29.

Griffey, Jason. "Podcast 1-2-3." Library Journal. 15 June 2007. p.32-34.

Hahn, Jim. "Mobile Learning for the Twenty-First Century Librarian." Reference Services Review. 2008: 36, 3. p.272-288.

Kroski, Ellyssa. "Library Mobile Initiatives." Library Technology Reports. July 2008. p. 33-38.

Ralph, Jaya and Sonja Olsen. "Podcasting as an Educational Building Block in Academic Libraries." Australian Academic & Research Libraries. Dec. 2007: 38, 4. p.270-279.

Stephens, Michael. "The iPod Experiments." Library Journal. Spring 2005. p.22-25.

West, Mark Andy et al. "Expanding Access to Library Collections and Services Using Small Screen Devices." Information Technology and Libraries. June 2006: 25, 2. p.103-107.