pla podcast - Public Libraries Online https://publiclibrariesonline.org A Publication of the Public Library Association Wed, 11 Jan 2023 22:26:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 What’s New in Library Podcasts? https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2021/04/whats-new-in-library-podcasts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=whats-new-in-library-podcasts Thu, 29 Apr 2021 15:40:32 +0000 http://publiclibrariesonline.org/?p=16869 A look at pandemic-born podcasts as well as how long-running library podcasts have fared during the past year of weirdness.

The post What’s New in Library Podcasts? first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> Librarians love to talk books and bibliophiles love to hear about books, so it’s no surprise that library podcasts have been popular for years. Some focus on reading choices and author interviews, others serve as professional development tools, explore local history, or riff off pop culture. Among the most famous are those of The New York Public Library and American Library Association (ALA). PLA’s FYI Podcast has also been listed among the best in articles such as Book Riot’s 13 Must-Hear Librarian Podcasts. 

During the pandemic, new library podcasts emerged as means of reaching out to communities from afar, while long-running podcasts and new ones alike were challenged by producing under constrained conditions. This article explores those issues as well as unique podcast episodes addressing pandemic concerns, and tips for launching a podcast.

Emerging Technology Librarian Nate Gass has co-hosted the Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast since 2016. Asked how the pandemic has impacted his podcast of book finds, author interviews, and local history stories, he noted that it was thrown into disarray at first. “We had to decide if we were even going to continue doing it as other stressors of adapting to virtual library services took higher priority. But as we settled into the virtual groove it was actually pretty easy to continue doing the podcast. We did lower expectations of frequency a bit and now just shoot for one episode a month.” Listenership has increased slightly.

New podcasts also faced production challenges. Josie Brockmann, Adult Services Librarian coordinating Book Chatter for Longmont Public Library in Colorado, agrees that social distancing made recording and editing more arduous. To produce, several librarians see one another via conferencing platform while recording themselves using USB microphones. “The various recordings are sent to me and I synchronize and cleanup using Audacity.” Brockmann and colleagues look forward to a time they can have discussions in the same room: “It will require a lot less editing on my part!”

For those starting a new podcast, Brockmann advises patience: “It does take time for patrons to learn about a podcast and start to listen.” Book Chatter was designed with the idea that readers would send in questions and comments to be included in book discussions lead by librarians. Public participation got off to a slow start, but Brockmann reports downloads are steadily increasing with each episode.

The pandemic has spawned some unique podcast themes. Early on, Gass interviewed Skip Dye from Penguin Random House about how book publishing was adapting for the episode Publishing During a Pandemic. Library Land Loves offered episodes such as How to Get Sh*t Done when the Kids are at Home and Creating Engaging Virtual Presentations. ALA’s Call Number recently released Supporting Seniors During the Pandemic.

What advice do veteran podcasters have for those starting out? Editing is important, as is crafting the interview, Gass explains: “I can say in my experience practically anything can be made interesting if the host prepares beforehand and knows the right questions to ask… the other thing that keeps a podcast interesting isn’t so much the topic or even the guest, but how everything is presented to the listener. This is where editing is so crucial. If you are ruthless in your editing but also pay attention to the natural flow of the conversation, you can really craft something that is hard to stop listening to.”

As a listener, those comments resonate. My preference is for tightly-edited podcasts that get to the point and stay on-topic. However, some that record free-wheeling conversations are also popular. The choices are varied and abundant, as apparent from the list below.

New Since the Pandemic

Book Stabber by the creators of the library comic strip Unshelved promises some fun arguing over loving or hating certain books.

Book Chatter Podcast This “book club for busy people” is modeled after traditional book groups.

Scranton Talks Youth librarians from E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, Connecticut talk with community members about passions such as gaming, genealogy, Harry Potter, and raising backyard chickens.

Saskatoon Public Library Podcast of Stories from Saskatchewan, has featured episodes on pandemic-related themes: ennui, comfort, remedies, and awakenings.

Two Librarians Walk into a Shelf Rumor has it this eclectic podcast from Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Alabama has developed something of a cult following.

Reader’s Advisory

Book Club for Masochists Brave librarians volunteer to read niche genre and difficult tomes so you don’t have to. If you hate the horror genre or know nothing about physics, but still want to dazzle your public with quality RA, they’ve got you covered.

Drunk Librarians Podcast Librarians A and B maintain anonymity while getting trashed and talking books. Some profanity may occur.

The Librarian is In and Library Talks The New York Public Library crafts two clever and humorous podcasts about books and culture.

Overdue Finds from Edmonton Public Library in Canada dishes on books, movies, music, pop culture.

Professional Development

Call Number ALA’s podcast features librarians, authors, and scholars discussing important issues- from library COVID-19 protocols to talking about race.

FYI Podcast Interviews illuminate topics significant to public libraries, such as career-related imposter syndrome and the problem of e-book embargos.

Cyberpunk Librarian features ideas and trends for librarians interested in high tech for the low budget.

Library Land Loves covers career-related topics from managing virtual teams to negotiating job offers, along with some pop culture fun.

The Library Pros Technology librarians discuss new and developing technology applicable to the library world- with refreshingly international scope.

Local History

Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast covers a range of topics; however, some of the most popular explore the history of Libertyville, Illinois, resulting in a podcast that doubles as an audio archive of local history.

The samples above, selected for relevance to public libraries, are part of an even wider spectrum of library podcasts, offering something for every interest. Charge earbuds!

The post What’s New in Library Podcasts? first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> FYI Podcast: A Discussion of Imposter Syndrome https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2021/02/new-fyi-podcast-a-discussion-of-imposter-syndrome/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-fyi-podcast-a-discussion-of-imposter-syndrome Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:11:07 +0000 http://publiclibrariesonline.org/?p=16685 How often do you catch yourself feeling like you are in ‘over your head’ at work? Imposter syndrome – the […]

The post FYI Podcast: A Discussion of Imposter Syndrome first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> How often do you catch yourself feeling like you are in ‘over your head’ at work? Imposter syndrome – the sense that you are inadequate for the task in front of you despite past proof of your ability – can wreak havoc on your career and keep you from taking on new challenges. It can also prevent you from sharing your unique talents and skills in ways that benefit you and your organization. But imposter syndrome need not derail your career. Those feelings of being a “fraud” can be turned into a springboard to propel you forward in your career and in your life. Join Public Libraries magazine editor, Kathleen Hughes and Youth Services Librarian Erin Collier Plummer, Seminole County (FL) Public Library, in a discussion of this phenomenon.

https://soundcloud.com/publiclibrariesonline/47-fyi-podcast-imposter-syndrome-featuring-erin-plummer

 

The post FYI Podcast: A Discussion of Imposter Syndrome first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> FYI Podcast: The Free Library of Philadelphia Culinary Literacy Center https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2018/08/new-podcast-the-free-library-of-philadelphia-culinary-literacy-center/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-podcast-the-free-library-of-philadelphia-culinary-literacy-center https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2018/08/new-podcast-the-free-library-of-philadelphia-culinary-literacy-center/#respond Wed, 08 Aug 2018 14:44:39 +0000 http://publiclibrariesonline.org/?p=13960 Our guest is Elizabeth Fitzgerald, director of the Culinary Literacy Center at the Free Library of Philadelphia. The Culinary Literacy Center is the first kitchen classroom in a public library in the United States. Here we discuss the Culinary Literacy Center, why culinary literacy is important, how libraries can offer this type of programming, and more.

The post FYI Podcast: The Free Library of Philadelphia Culinary Literacy Center first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> Our guest is Elizabeth Fitzgerald, director of the Culinary Literacy Center at the Free Library of Philadelphia. The Culinary Literacy Center is the first kitchen classroom in a public library in the United States. Here we discuss the Culinary Literacy Center, why culinary literacy is important, how libraries can offer this type of programming, and more.

Resources for this Podcast:

The Free Library of Philadelphia Culinary Literacy Center website

 

 

The post FYI Podcast: The Free Library of Philadelphia Culinary Literacy Center first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2018/08/new-podcast-the-free-library-of-philadelphia-culinary-literacy-center/feed/ 0 FYI Podcast– A New Model for Library Service to Business https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2017/06/fyi-021-a-new-model-for-library-service-to-business/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fyi-021-a-new-model-for-library-service-to-business https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2017/06/fyi-021-a-new-model-for-library-service-to-business/#respond Fri, 16 Jun 2017 19:22:34 +0000 http://publiclibrariesonline.org/?p=12267 We talk with Gillian Robbins and Caitlin Seifritz librarians in the Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC) at the Free Library of Philadelphia about the BRIC and new ideas for updating the library model of providing services to business, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits.

The post FYI Podcast– A New Model for Library Service to Business first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> We talk with Gillian Robbins and Caitlin Seifritz librarians in the Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC) at the Free Library of Philadelphia about the BRIC and new ideas for updating the library model of providing services to business, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits.

Resources For This Podcast:

Business Resource and Innovation Center at the Free Library of Philadelphia

Meet-Up

Business Model Canvas

Taking Care of Business Ignite Session – 2017 ALA Annual Conference

The post FYI Podcast– A New Model for Library Service to Business first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2017/06/fyi-021-a-new-model-for-library-service-to-business/feed/ 0 FYI Podcast – Pew Research Center Report: Digital Readiness Gaps https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/10/pew-research-center-report-digital-readiness-gaps-fyi-podcast-episode-14/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pew-research-center-report-digital-readiness-gaps-fyi-podcast-episode-14 https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/10/pew-research-center-report-digital-readiness-gaps-fyi-podcast-episode-14/#respond Mon, 10 Oct 2016 22:15:49 +0000 http://publiclibrariesonline.org/?p=10626 PLA Deputy Executive Director Larra Clark talks with John B. Horrigan of the Pew Research Center about his report, "Digital Readiness Gaps," which finds that just over half of American adults have low levels of readiness to use digital tools as they pursue lifelong learning.

The post FYI Podcast – Pew Research Center Report: Digital Readiness Gaps first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> PLA Deputy Executive Director Larra Clark talks with John B. Horrigan of the Pew Research Center about his report, “Digital Readiness Gaps,” which finds that just over half of American adults have low levels of readiness to use digital tools as they pursue lifelong learning.

Resources for this Podcast:

Pew Research Center – Digital Readiness Gaps

What is Digital Readiness?

John B. Horrigan, Senior Researcher, Pew Research Center

 

The post FYI Podcast – Pew Research Center Report: Digital Readiness Gaps first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/10/pew-research-center-report-digital-readiness-gaps-fyi-podcast-episode-14/feed/ 0 Check Out Our Debut Show — “FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast” https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2015/11/listen-to-the-debut-show-in-our-new-program-fyi-the-public-libraries-podcast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=listen-to-the-debut-show-in-our-new-program-fyi-the-public-libraries-podcast https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2015/11/listen-to-the-debut-show-in-our-new-program-fyi-the-public-libraries-podcast/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2015 01:24:54 +0000 http://publiclibrariesonline.org/?p=7445 In Episode 1, PLA Manager of Publications Kathleen Hughes talks to new library director Douglas Crane (Palm Beach County, Florida, Library System). Prior to and during his first year of serving as a library director, Crane embarked on a project to interview long-time public library directors to learn more about the job and to try and determine what makes a great library director.

The post Check Out Our Debut Show — “FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast” first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> In Episode 1, PLA Manager of Publications Kathleen Hughes talks to new library director Douglas Crane (Palm Beach County, Florida, Library System). Prior to and during his first year of serving as a library director, Crane embarked on a project to interview long-time public library directors to learn more about the job and to try and determine what makes a great library director. Join us to find out what he learned…

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/230852199″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Resources Related to this Podcast:

Interviewee: Douglas Crane, Director, Palm Beach County System (FL) — email: CraneD@pbclibrary.org

University of Georgia Courses — Carl Vinson School of Government (Introductory Budget & Capital Improvements Programs)
http://www.cviog.uga.edu/training/online/

John Maxwell
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
Developing the Leader Within You
http://www.johnmaxwell.com

David Allen
Getting Things Done
www.gettingthingsdone.com

Simon Sinek
Start with Why

Valerie Gross
Libraries = Education Philosophy

Jamie LaRue
Embedded Librarianship

Article in November/December “Public Libraries” May I Ask You A Question by Douglas Crane
– Available in end of December 2015

Persons Interviewed for the Research (Bold & Italics = mentioned in Podcast)
Director, Executive Director, or President & CEO:
John J. Callahan (Retired) – Palm Beach County Library System (FL)
Izabel Cieszynski – Newport News Public Library System (NJ)
Gene Coppola – Palm Harbor Public Library (FL)
Kim Fender – The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (OH)
Melanie Huggins – Richland Library (SC)
Christian Kruse – Live Oak Public Library (GA)
Brett Lear – Sonoma County Library System (CA)
Pat Losinski – Columbus Metropolitan Public Library (OH)
Richard MacDonald – Stoughton Public Library (WI)
Christopher Murray – Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach (FL)
Skye Patrick – Broward County Library System (FL)
Steve Potter – Mid-Continent Public Library (KS)
Siobahn Riordan – The Free Library of Philadelphia (PA)
Lance Werner – Kent District Library (MI)

Assistant Director
Michelle Boisvenue-Fox – Kent District Library (MI)
Sharon Hill (Retired) – Palm Beach County Library System (FL)

The post Check Out Our Debut Show — “FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast” first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

]]> https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2015/11/listen-to-the-debut-show-in-our-new-program-fyi-the-public-libraries-podcast/feed/ 5