Podcasting

A podcast is like a broadcast. There are episodes and series, but they are released either as audio or video files online. For my third competency, I searched the pod-o-sphere for a podcast that relates to my subject, video games in the public library. My best results came from Youtube, using the keywords "Wii," "public library," "video games," and "podcast."

The Cape May County Public Library in New Jersey podcasted this great promo for their teen game nights. Using real library patrons (I assume), the library showed how game nights can be beneficial for teens and libraries. In the podcast "Trevor" starts going to all the gaming events, and soon the mother observes him making social connections with library staff and other teen gamers. He even starts using other library services, such as internet computers and books. I included this podcast because it shows how public libraries can use game nights to revamp their image in the mind of teen and younger patrons.

BONUS PODCASTS: I have two other podcasts to share. For people who feel relatively "gaming illiterate," I recommend you check out ArjShoghit's podcast on the history of gaming. It includes an overview of the newest gaming systems. Finally, nothing shows how video games get teens excited about libraries better than WestRoadSal's podcast. He can barely contain himself when he tells viewers that the New York Public Library allows patrons to check out Wii games. He even shows his audience how to search the library's online card catalog (!).