As a fan of science fiction books, movies, and tv shows, you are exposed to new ideas and technologies and fantastical worlds. The creators of these works tend to be some of the first people to incorporate the latest ideas of our own world. So it was not surprising that Ronald D. Moore, the co-creator of the re-imagined "Battlestar Galactica" series on the Sci-Fi Channel, chose to use Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, widgets, and podcasts to enhance the viewing experience of the show's fan base.
Librarians also seem to be willing to experiment with new ideas and technologies. As we've seen with other Web 2.0 tools, podcasting also has useful applications to the library world. Podcasting, like blogging (and like the Internet in general), can have democratizing effects in the public sphere. Unlike traditional mass media -- in the case of podcasting, commercial radio broadcasting would be the comparison -- Web 2.0 tools can be utilized by almost anyone. For example, you don't need a broadcasting license to transmit a podcast. Then why not take advantage of this free medium?
One of the most innovative ways public libraries are using podcasts is for services to teens. Teens are already "plugged in" to their I-Pods and MP3 players, so for those libraries wishing to market their services and programs for young adults, podcasting would be a great communication tool. The Seattle Public Library offers a teens podcast produced and "recorded for teens by teens." Young adult patrons simply subscribe to the podcast via a link to iTunes or RSS on the teen center page of the library's web site to enjoy book reviews, radio theater, and learn about upcoming programs and events at the library.
I think it would be fun for my library to produce a podcast for our teens, too.
Namaste.
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