Podcasting
the Librarian Way
Tammy Allgood
Digital Delivery and Design Librarian
Arizona State University

Overview
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ASU Library Channel
Podcasting 101
Equipment Needs
Content
Process
Policies/Forms
Questions

ASU Library Channel
(http://www.asu.edu/lib/librarychannel/)

ASU Library Channel

Podcasting 101 – What is a podcast?
• A recording distributed across the Internet as
downloadable MP3 files.
• Apple's iPod player is not required – any MP3
player will usually do*
*Occasionally, podcasts are released as MP4 files, these will not
play on every player

Podcasting 101 - RSS
• They are often subscribed to via RSS feed
readers
• RSS (Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site
Summary) is a Web content syndication
format

Equipment Needs
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Computer with audio input capabilities
Audio recording and editing software
Microphone(s)
Web server

Equipment Needs – Audio software

• Audacity – It’s Free!!

• GarageBand – Mac
($79 for iLife)

Equipment Needs - Microphones
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Headset
Studio mics (optional)
Lapel mics (optional)
Mixer for multiple mics (optional)

Equipment Needs – Microphones - Headset

Equipment Needs – Microphones – Studio

Equipment Needs – Microphones - Lapel

Equipment Needs – Mixer

Content
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Identify your audience
Brainstorm ideas
Solicit suggestions from staff
Solicit suggestions from audience
Potential topics:
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Sponsored events
Exhibits
Tours
Library personnel with special experience
Instruction

ASU Library Channel Examples
• Banned Books Week
• Interview on Sri Lankan Palm Leaf Exhibit
• Don’t Panic! Information Resources for
looming deadlines
• Crisis in Scholarly Communication
• Spotlight on ASU Librarian Ann Ewbank
• Copyright in an Academic Environment

Process - Step 1: Plan
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Decide what type of content/subject
Create outline or list of questions
Schedule interviews/recordings
Decide on format and length

Process - Step 2: Prepare
• Preparation is key
• Script or no script?

Process - Step 3: Record
• Plug microphone into computer
• Record Audio
• Save file and BACKUP!

Process - Step 4: Edit
• Cut out unwanted material (optional)
• Add Royalty Free Music (optional)
• Convert Audio to MP3 (free via iTunes)

Process - Step 5: Publish
• Upload (post) to web
• Link in Blog for easy, automatic rss feeds
• Index in Podzinger (optional)

Policies/Forms

Questions
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