1. What is a podcast?
2. Do I need an iPod?
3. Who podcasts?
4. Why is
the library podcasting some of their programs?
5. What types of
library programs will be available?
6. How do I get podcasts?
7. What is a "podcatcher'?
8. What
does it cost to download or listen to a podcast?
9. Where do I get the
Kankakee Public Library podcasts?
10. Can I hear the Podcast without subscribing?
Average Joe answer:
The term comes from combining “iPod” and “broadcast.” An easy way to understand it is audio on demand. You listen when it’s convenient for you. Early bird or night owl, podcasting can fit your schedule!
Techie answer:
Audio content delivered via RSS.
No! You can listen to the podcast right on your computer using Windows Media Player (Windows) or RealPlayer (Mac). You probably already have one of these installed on your computer if you've listened to audio before, if not, download for free using the links above.
You can also download it to any brand of MP3 player and listen on the go, in the car, while you work out, on the bus, wherever! (Some people have even been known to download the podcasts, burn them to CD and play them in their car stereo, home stereo or portable CD player.)
The Kankakee Public Library and many
others! Selected library programs will be offered as podcasts. OPAL (Online Programming for All
Libraries) also offers audio content as podcasts.
Podcasts are easy to create, so many individuals as well as broadcasters have
developed podcasts of their own. The subjects covered are as broad as the
topics covered by the Internet itself. If you have an interest, there is
probably a podcast covering it.
Several websites offer directories of podcasts.
You can look for some at:
Podcast411
Podcast Alley
Yahoo! Podcasts
LearnOutLoud.com
and iTunes
store
4. Why is the Library podcasting some of their programs?
We know you’re busy. It’s difficult to schedule a program at a time when everyone who is interested can attend. Podcasting offers those patrons a chance to listen to our content whenever, and wherever they want! It also allows patrons to relive programs they've enjoyed live.
5. What types of library programs will be available?
We plan to podcast as many of our public events as possible, such at the author talks, and presentations by other people of interest. Before we create a podcast episode, we do need the permission of the speaker. So far, they've been very generous in giving it.
See the episodes we have so far at our podcast directory.
We're open to ideas of what you'd like to hear too, drop us an email!
If you've listened to one of our audio presentations, send us feedback too!
You could visit the websites directly that offer them and download them to your computer, but the easiest way is to use a “podcatcher.” [see next entry]
A podcatcher is software that allows you to subscribe to your favorite podcasts using their RSS feed. When new content or episodes are available, your podcatcher will automatically download them for you, and then you’re ready to listen to them on your computer or transfer them to your MP3 player!
Popular podcatchers include:
Juice (formerly called iPodder) for Windows, Mac or Linux
Odeo
FeedDemon for Windows
Yahoo! Podcasts
iTunes
8. What does it cost to download or listen to a podcast?
Nothing. It’s free! Some video podcasts do require a fee, depending on the producer (for example, recent episodes of popular television programs.)
9. Where do I get the Kankakee Public Library Podcasts?
You can subscribe to our podcast by entering our RSS address into your favorite "podcatcher". The address is www.lions-online.org/podcast.xml. Another option is to download iTunes here, then subscribe to the Library podcast here.
10. Can I hear the Podcast without subscribing?
Yes. You can select the program you would like to hear from our podcast directory, then select the "listen now" option under the title. The podcast will begin to play immediately using your default MP3 player. Most computers have Windows Media Player installed by the manufacturer for this purpose.
