Podcast Information Page

Click on a question to view the answer!

1. What is a podcast?
2. Do I need an iPod?
3. Who podcasts?
4. Why is the library podcasting some of their programs?
5. What types of library programs will be available?
6. How do I get podcasts?
7. What is a "podcatcher'?
8. What does it cost to download or listen to a podcast?
9. Where do I get the Lansing Library podcasts?
10. Who is that on the podcast intro & ending?
11. How to subscribe to podcasts with Juice
12. How to subscribe to podcasts with iTunes
13. How to subscribe to podcasts with Yahoo! Podcasts
14. Where do I find the archived podcasts?

1. What is a podcast?

Average Joe answer:
The term comes from combining “iPod” and “broadcast.”
An easy way to understand it is audio on demand. You listen when it’s convenient for you. Early bird or night owl, podcasting can fit your schedule!

Techie answer:
Audio content delivered via RSS.

Audio files on a website are not "true" podcasts unless users can subscribe to the RSS feed to receive new content as it is published.

2. Do I need an iPod?

No!
You can listen to the podcast right on your computer using Windows Media Player (Windows) or RealPlayer (Mac).
You probably already have one of these installed on your computer if you've listened to audio before, if not, download for free using the links above.

You can also download it to any brand of MP3 player and listen on the go, in the car, while you work out, on the bus, wherever! (Some people have even been known to download the podcasts, burn them to CD and play them in their car stereo, home stereo or portable CD player.)

3. Who podcasts?

Lansing Public Library and many others!
Selected library programs will be offered as podcasts. Performers and/or presenters must consent to the recording.
OPAL (Online Programming for All Libraries) also offers audio content as podcasts.

Are you a fan of NPR, but can’t always listen to your favorite shows when they’re on?
Why not listen to the NPR podcast when it’s convenient for you!

Want to listen to Ebert & Roeper’s movie reviews? They podcast too!

Even the White House is in on the action! The President’s weekly radio address is available as a podcast.
Senator Barack Obama podcasts too!

Several websites offer directories of podcasts. 
You can look for some at: 
Podcast411
Podcast Alley
Yahoo! Podcasts
LearnOutLoud.com
iTunes store

4. Why is the library podcasting some of their programs?

We know you’re busy. It’s difficult to schedule a program when everyone who is interested can attend.  Podcasting offers those patrons a chance to listen to our content whenever, and wherever they want!

5. What types of library programs will be available?

We plan to podcast some of the events we offer that are presented by library staff, such as the Science Project Strategies, or selected computer classes and lectures.

You can find the archived podcasts here.

We're open to ideas of what you'd like to hear, drop us an email!

If you've listened to one of our audio presentations, send us feedback too!

6. How do I get podcasts?

You could visit the websites directly that offer them and download them to your computer, but the easiest way is to use a “podcatcher.” [see next entry]

7. What is a "podcatcher"?

A podcatcher is software that allows you to subscribe to your favorite podcasts using their RSS feed.
When new content or episodes are available, your podcatcher will automatically download them for you, and then you’re ready to listen to them on your computer or transfer them to your MP3 player!

Popular podcatchers include:
Juice (formerly called iPodder) for Windows, Mac or Linux
Odeo
FeedDemon for Windows
Yahoo! Podcasts
iTunes

8. What does it cost to download or listen to a podcast?

Nothing. It’s free!
Some video podcasts do require a fee, depending on the producer (for example, recent episodes of popular television programs.)

9. Where do I get the Lansing Library Podcasts?

We’ll podcast them depending their target audience and which department presented the program. Check our news blogs for entries about podcasts.

Follow the links below for information on how to subscribe.
Subscribe to one or all, it’s up to you! 

Download our free custom version of Juice to automatically subscribe to the Lansing Library podcasts and get started immediately!

Thank you to Friends of Lansing Public Library for sponsoring our custom version of Juice.

Click for step-by-step instructions with photos!
How to install & listen to podcasts in Juice.
How to subscribe to podcasts in iTunes.
How to subscribe to podcasts in Yahoo! Podcasts.

We're also listed in the iTunes store, and Yahoo! Podcasts.

Or, paste these feeds in your favorite podcatcher.

Adult Programs
http://feeds.feedburner.com/lansinglibraryadult/podcast

Teen Programs
http://feeds.feedburner.com/lansinglibraryteen/podcast

Youth Programs
http://feeds.feedburner.com/lansinglibraryyouth/podcast

Information Technology Programs
http://feeds.feedburner.com/lansinglibraryinternettechnology/podcast2

10. Who is that on the podcast intro & ending?

None of the library staff, that's for sure! 
It was recorded by the helpful folks at RadioDaddy. Thanks RadioDaddy!

11. How to subscribe to podcasts with Juice

To Install Juice:

Click the download link above.
Choose to RUN the Juice installer.
If prompted again, choose RUN.
Click NEXT and choose I AGREE to the license agreement.
Choose the installation location (the default is fine) click NEXT
Click INSTALL and FINISH!

You're Pre-Subscribed to the Lansing Library Podcasts [See larger photo: Pre-Subscribed to the Lansing Library Podcasts on Flickr - Photo Sharing!]

To Listen to a Podcast with Juice:

Step 1. Click on the feed title in the top window, to display the individual episodes in the bottom window. [See larger photo: Listening to an episode in Juice, part 1 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!]

Step 2. In the bottom window, right-click on the episode you wish to listen to and choose to play episode in media player. [See larger photo: Listening to an episode in Juice, part 2 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!]

12. How to subscribe to podcasts with iTunes

Step 1. in iTunes, Click "podcasts" in the left column, then click "podcast directory" at the bottom of the right column. [See larger photo: Subscribing to Podcasts with iTunes, Step 1 and 2 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!]

Step 2. Scroll down to the search box [See larger photo:Subscribing to Podcasts with iTunes, Scroll Down to Search Box on Flickr - Photo Sharing!]

Step 3. Type in search terms (Lansing Library), then click the magnifying glass. [See larger photo: Subscribing to Podcasts with iTunes, Step 3 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!]

Step 4. Click subscribe! [See larger photo: Subscribing to Podcasts with iTunes, Search Results on Flickr - Photo Sharing!]

13. How to subscribe to podcasts with Yahoo! Podcasts

Step 1. Visit Yahoo! Podcasts.
Type in search terms (Lansing Library), then click search. [See larger photo: Subscribing to Podcasts with Yahoo! Podcasts on Flickr - Photo Sharing!]

Step 2. Click subscribe! [See larger photo: Subscribing to Podcasts with Yahoo! Podcasts, Search Results on Flickr - Photo Sharing!]

14. Where do I find the archived podcasts?

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

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