Getting interactive

Wikipedia tells us that "A podcast is a series of digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication". The BBC uses the terminiolgy 'podcasts' for its audio material (Radio programmes) and iPlayer for its videos (TV shows).

I had a listen to some of the JISC podcasts and found them an excellent resource for information on library policy and initiatives. The benefits of audio podcasts is that they can be listened to like a radio programme while you are doing the ironing! They would also be great for getting library information across to students with visual disabilities.

However, in the context of a college library I think a video on YouTube would be a more useful tool - especially for library induction. I can't see students having the patience to sit and listen to an audio podcast of a librarian 'droning on' about how to use the library. So perhaps I'd better get out my new digital camera and figure out how to do work video bit of it...

I can see a really good future for tutorials on the web to introduce students to various applications (how to access ebooks, web of science etc.). The video on plagiarism from Bergen University Library is a great example of this! Closer to home, the Cambridge Libraries Film 'The Perfedt Desk' which will introduce the three tier Cambridge system to  new students is a fantastic step forward. I'm looking forward to seeing it!