Podcasts - One More Way for Libraries to Reach Patrons

Using podcasts to instruct patrons is another way that libraries can connect to its' tech-savy users. Although the percentage of tech-savy patrons is still in the minority, podcasts can reach those patrons that prefer their information on demand. Because podcasts are audio-only, the information given needs to lend itself well to listening -topics like giving instructions or descriptions. Readers advisories, author's interviews, and walking tours are all easily understood in this kind of listening format. But a big disadvantage of podcasts is that many things library patrons want to learn requires a visual element, too;
and podcasts are not a suitable choice for teaching something patrons need to see. Thus, it's funtionality is somewhat limited. The most logical and time-effecient use of podcasts in libraries is a self-guided audio tour - like museums offer to teach visitors about the layout of their collections. The big advantage for using podcasts for audio-tours is that podcasts free library staff from having to do this. Another advantage to using podcasts is that they are relatively simple to make.