Podcasting is a term inspired by the iPod (pod + casting) but users are not limited to only iPod devices.  Any device or computer capable of playing media files can play podcasts.  Audio is most commonly recorded in MP3 format while video is usually in MP4 format.

A podcast has essentially three things:

• It is a recorded audio or video

• It is not singular but released episodically
• It can be downloaded through web syndication.

Video podcasts are sometimes called “vodcasts” but a podcast by definition can be either audio or video.

Below is a great introductory video on podcasting from Common Craft called "Podcasting in Plain English" (3:00) 

Why are Podcasts Created?

• Meets the needs of an audience (time-saving, on-demand, user control)
• Easy to use, low cost and fits into today’s mobile world
• Easy to set up and manage
• Increases information delivery option
• Adaptable to different learning styles
• Supplements classroom instruction

How are Libraries Using Podcasts?

Podcast Preparation

If you are thinking about creating a podcast, keep these things in mind:

·         Know your audience

·         Know your purpose 

·         Learn scripting and storyboarding basics

Basic Principles of podcasting

After you've decided on your topic and outlined your purpose and objectives, you're ready to begin podcasting!  The next steps are:

·         Outline/storyboard

·          Write a script (ADA compliance)

·         Podcasts have a basic form which includes several elements:

o   Show ID—name of the podcast series & presenter information

o   Program ID—what this episode is about

o   Episode—the content of the podcast

o   Credits—very similar to Show ID but may also include a plug for website/contact information

o   Music—Some podcasts include intro and outtake music while others have music throughout

·         When displaying podcast information on your website, blog, or wiki, it is helpful to include these elements:

Remember to keep the basic principles of audio/video production in mind:

·         Use a combination of words and verbal narration

·         Present info in bite sized chunks

·         Use clear outlines and headings

·         Present in a conversational style

·         Remove extraneous information

·         Use attention grabbers

·         Slow it down

·         Focus on the big picture

·         Set specific goals for your podcast

And specifically for video:

·         On screen text should be located near corresponding images

·         Synchronize animation and narration

Once you complete your preparation, you should move on to the production stages:

• Record
• Edit
• Produce
• Share

Here's a handout that contains many of the aspects of audio/video production listed above.

Podcasting Tools

So what do you need to record your podcast?  Visit the podcasting tools page!

Podcasting Resources

Looking for resources for podcasting?  Perhaps you are looking for music, best practices, or equipment standards?  Please visit our podcasting resources to find more!

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Comments? Questions? 

If you don't find the answer to your question, want more or advanced information on a topic, need further clarification of a concept, would like to see another topic covered, or have any other comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me at: 

Beth Duttlinger

Lillie M. Evans Library District

207 N Walnut, Princeville, IL

bethd@lmelibrary.org

http://lmelibrary.org 

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