What is a podcast?

• In layman's terms, podcasting is audio on demand. Listen to what you want, when you want.
• Wikipedia's definition includes the following description: "A podcast is a multimedia file distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The term, as originally coined by Ben Hammersley in an article in the Guardian on February 12, 2004, was meant as a portmanteau of "broadcasting" and "iPod". Like 'radio', it can mean both the content and the method of delivery; the latter may also be termed podcasting. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster. Though podcasters' web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their content, a podcast is distinguished from other digital audio formats by its ability to be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading feed formats such as RSS or Atom."
• Podcast Expert: Lots of interesting info about podcasting. There's even going to be a Podcast and New Media Expo in September 2007!

What do I need to listen to a podcast?

• A portable media player, such as an iPod or mp3 player (you can also download and listen to them on your computer)
• iTunes or other software for downloading files from the Internet, preferably from a broadband connection.

Is there an aggregator for just podcasts?

• Yes!
• Instead of going to individual websites for their podcasts, you can use a podcatcher. A podcatcher is software that allows you to subscribe to your favorite podcasts using their RSS feed. When new content is available, your podcatcher will automatically download them for you. You can then listen to them on your computer or transfer them to your MP3 player.
• We used Odeo to syndicate our podcasts. iTunes and Juice are other popular podcatchers.
• You can also use regular RSS aggregators like Bloglines too.

How do I make my own podcast?

• How to Create and Promote a Podcast by About.com is one among many free online tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions on creating your first podcast.
• Important tip: you'll need a home to store your audio files, such as a server. Don't fret if you don't have one: there are sites that will host your files for free, such as Our Media.
• 

Art-related podcasts

• The Met's podcasts
• NPR's Visual Arts podcasts
• MoMA Audio (Note: Clicking this link will open MoMA's podcasts directly in the iTunes application)
• Freer Gallery's podcasts

Library podcasts

• Carnival of the Infosciences
• Seattle Public Library podcasts
• Library of Congress 2006 National Book Festival
• Library Geeks

General podcast directories

• Podcast.net
• PodcastBlaster
• PodcastInspector: Not a Podcast directory itself, but a search engine that searches all the major Podcasting directories at once. Brought to you by the folks at PodcastPickle.com.
• An interesting article from Wired Magazine about how the text of audio files is now searchable. There are several search engines mentioned in the article.

What can podcasts do for YOU?

• Watson Library can create tutorials or other news that Met staff can subscribe to (if IT lets us of course)
• Visitors and graduate students can use podcasts for self-guided tours
• Keep you informed, educated, even entertained.

Real-life scenario:

A couple of weeks ago, I (Robyn) happened to be at the Reference desk when one of the contract lecturers here (who I think also teaches art history classes) came in looking confused. He said he was just told that he should consider doing a podcast for his class. He was concerned because he felt that if he did a podcast, no one would show up for class. So I sat him at one of the Hazen terminals and showed him how to listen to the Met's podcasts, because they give a good example of how a podcast can provide supplemental material to an exhibition, class, etc. MMA podcasts in no way replicate the audio tours, and do not tell you exactly what you see in the exhibition; rather they provide additional "bonus" material that helps you understand the exhibitions more thoroughly. I think the patron was pleased and had a better idea of what he needed to do.

This was interesting because although we hadn't thought about using podcasts yet in that way for Outreach, it goes to show that this is somthing that's probably going to be happening more and more. Hopefully now we can figure out a way to get IS&T on board with making it easier for MMA staff to create their own podcasts, not just listen to them.