Podcasting

Podcasting is one of those things you know you should know about ... ABC radio is always talking about streaming live or, alternately, listening later to a program later by podcast. I have even listened to a radio national podcast by John Banville. But I had never thought of serching for specific podcasts.

I started my education at: podcast.net. I decided to search for Cymraeg (Welsh language) podcasts because I have been learning Welsh for three years. To my delight I found a number of Welsh language podcasts. Unfortunately when I tried to listen they recommended installing something called ActiveX. I did not hink the corporation would like me trying to install somehting called ActiveX, so I abandoned that path.

One of my favourite spiritual writers is a man called Ronald Rolheiser. I decided to search for him. But podcast.net did not have anything. I jumped over to Yahoo podcasts. They had some of the very same Welsh language podcasts but did not require me to install activeX. I listened for a while. I did not understand any of it. Three years of my life! Never mind. All is not lost. BBC Catchphrase has Welsh learner's podcasts. I am hoping to get an ipod for Christmas so I can listen to them while shelving.The thing that appeals to me about podcasts is not so much sitting at my desk listening but being able to listen later at a tiem and location of my choosing.

I had more luck with Rolheiser on Yahoo too. He gave the annual Evelyn Underhill lecture in Christian spirituality at Boston College. It was about spirituality at midlife and sounded fascinating. Unfortunatley it was quiet long (128 minutes)and I did not think I should listen during work hours :-). It is something to look forward to at home nonetheless.

I can imagine podcasting would be a great boon for us at the library. I have ofetn had working people bewail the fact that they can't get to some of our book talks and author talks. It would be great to offer these as a podcast on our website. especially if, like me, they are getting anew ipod for Christmas. It would be whole new way of engaging people. I am now going to look at audio books