Podcasts and Audio

I think that podcasts and audio would be a useful tool to any library. Firstly in regards to audio I think a lot of libraries are moving into area of having audio books available to download as mp3's directly to patron ipods or cd. I think that this is a great way of having books available to patrons as it still allows for the traditional "borrowing" to happen without the damage that also comes with this to cds and books. When a patron downloads the file it is their for the borrowing period and then the file will stop working after this. I think this is a great way of making books more portable and more useable in todays techonological society.

In terms of podcasts I think that could be used as a way of recording story times that occur in the library or even author talks. They could also be used for training purposes for staff and as a way of keeping patrons up to date on whats new in the library e.g. services, books, activities. Podcasts would be any easy way for anyone at home or with computer facilities then to keep up to date with the library without having to come in. In relation to this parents who arent able to make storytime for whatever reason can still play the file at home to their child and can read along to the book with their child on a one on one basis.