Podcasts

Our library does podcasts of its annual 8-program Great Decisions foreign policy series and several other programs throughout the year. We record them with a digital audio recorder connected to our meeting room sound system. It's my job to edit that recording in Audacity and export as an MP3 and put it on our website. I have to admit that I was surprised that people continue to listen to these programs-- a year later, our first programs are still getting hits.

We don't do podcasts on a regular basis with an RSS feed. Libraries are doing some interesting things with that. I can see us looking at doing one in the future. But I can say what we have done so far has been a success and contributed to the community interest in these programs. If they can't make it to all the programs in person, they still have an opportunity to hear them. It's one more way that the library can be a part of their lives.

MySpace and Facebook

After reading this week's Project Play articles on the pros and cons of libraries having MySpace or Facebook pages, whether it's a great way to reach out to potential library users where they already hang out or an intrusion into their social networks, I'm left with the feeling that I still don't know what I think.

I can see where a vividly designed page that serves a useful purpose rather than a passive description of who we are could help stimulate teens' and young adults' interest in using the library. Making it useful would include a search box for the catalog, lists of the newest material, and boosting upcoming events, particularly those expected to appeal to that age group (but not exclusively, as the over 25 demographic is steadily increasing).

I'd be game to do one if we decided to have a MySpace or Facebook page, but I'd need to become much more comfortable with spending time in social networking sites, as if it's not done with passion it's not likely to interest the people we're trying to attract and get excited about the library. If we're going to be out there, we need to make it interesting and make clear at a glance that we have something to offer them.

Jott to Remember the Milk

Remember the Milk and Jott are both cool tools, but I don't know how much I'd actually use the first one. I've never been a list person; the only time I tried writing an actual grocery list, I'd misplaced it by the time got to the store. Since I have a vivid memory that locks away all sorts of facts, bits and numbers, I've had the life-long habit of relying on it. Which is not without its problems, as while my memory usually is very good, I've experienced the occasional adrenaline-spiking moment of, "Oh, shoot! I was supposed to ...". Perhaps I would be more likely to use an online tool like this, as what I don't like is bits of paper and notes around with lists of to-dos and reminders. But I'm guessing unless we share a Remember the Milk list as a collaborative project, I won't be using it.

Jott, on the other hand, I'm hoping to find reason to use. I thought it was so cool to be able to make a phone call and have it transcribed to into an e-mail. My first attempt didn't work because I have a soft voice and I was making the call where there was too much background noise. But the second two tries were clear and accurate word-for-word. If I have something I wanted to look into further at work, and haven't the time to log on to my computer or access to a PC, I could call and send a quick note to my e-mail account. And of course, Jott combines very well with Remember the Milk. I tried that out with my first call to Jott.