Podcasts have gained an important place in modern world culture as a communication tool that has gained popularity with the spread of digital media. When we look at the history of podcasts, we see that it started in the 1990s with the sharing of audio content over the internet. Digital audio files (MP3) gained popularity during this period and people started to download and listen to these files via the internet. However, in this early period, most content was just digital versions of traditional radio programs. In the early 2000s, the development of RSS (Really Simple Syndication) technology played a key role in the emergence of podcasts. RSS made it easy for users to keep track of updated content. The integration of audio files with RSS laid the foundations of the modern podcast format.
So How Were Podcasts Born?
The year 2004 marked the official recognition and naming of podcasts. The term “podcast” was coined by journalist Ben Hammersley in an article in The Guardian newspaper, combining the words “broadcast” with Apple’s popular music player iPod. The technical infrastructure for podcasts was developed by pioneers such as Dave Winer and Adam Curry. Adam Curry developed a software called “iPodder” that allowed users to automatically download audio files to their devices. 2005 marked a turning point for podcasts. By adding podcast support to the iTunes platform, Apple brought this new media format to a wider audience. During this period, podcasts offered listeners a wide range of original content in various categories. In the 2010s, podcast listening habits increased dramatically with the widespread use of smartphones. The emergence of successful storytelling programs such as “Serial” contributed to podcasts becoming mainstream media.
Today, podcasts offer a variety of content that addresses entertainment, news, education, personal development and niche interests. Platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts have enabled podcast content to reach a wider audience. Podcasts have emerged as a unique media tool as anyone can easily produce content and listeners can access it anytime, anywhere.
Let’s try to answer the question “How to Create a Podcast?”.
Stages of Preparing a Podcast
1. Concept Development
The basic concept of a podcast starts with audience analysis. Defining the target audience plays a decisive role in content selection. Also, identifying the topics to be covered has the potential to engage the audience.
2. Planning
Content planning is a critical stage of the podcast production process. Creating the episode structure, listing the themes to be covered in each episode, and determining the duration of each episode are very important for the regular course of podcasts.
3. Equipment Supply
The quality of the equipment to be used for podcast recording directly affects the sound quality. In addition to tools such as microphones and headphones, it is also important to choose appropriate sound recording and editing software. In addition, before procuring this equipment, it is necessary to decide in which environment the recordings will be made. For example, for face-to-face recordings, a studio, microphone, etc. may be necessary, while for online recordings a computer may be sufficient.
4. Registration
A quiet environment should be chosen during audio recording, which improves the quality of the recording. In case of a guest, it should be aimed to establish an interactive dialog with predetermined questions.
5. Editing
Post-recording editing is essential to improve the sound and remove unnecessary elements. Background music and sound effects can also be added to enrich the listener experience. There are free platforms where these edits can be made, and they are very helpful and can make the editing process flawless.
6. Publishing
In order to publish the podcast online, a hosting platform needs to be selected. For example, for a Podcast to be published on Spotify, a login is required. However, unlike “regular” Spotify, there is a separate login for Podcasters.
7. Promotion
In order for the podcast to reach a wide audience, it is recommended to use social media channels effectively. Listener feedback is important for continuous improvement.
8. Continuity
Publishing regular episodes has a role in increasing listener loyalty. In addition, continuously improving the content in line with audience feedback will improve the quality of the podcast.
Libraries and Podcasts
Podcasts democratize access to information through the digital dissemination of audio content. Like libraries, podcasts have the mission of accessing and disseminating information. This is why many libraries are embracing podcasts as a strategic tool.
Libraries’ Use of Podcasts
- Education and Awareness: Libraries produce podcasts to guide their users in literacy, research skills and digital literacy.
- Strengthening Community Ties: Podcasts can be used to engage library staff and community members and address local issues.
- Resource Promotion: Libraries are using podcasts to promote books, archival materials, and digital resources in their collections.
Many libraries produce their own podcasts to offer a variety of content to their users. This content often focuses on the following themes:
- Book Reviews and Recommendations: To support book clubs or promote new releases.
- History and Archives: Content on local history, important events and rare materials in the library archives.
- Educational Content: Guidance on research methods, academic writing, information literacy.
- Community Topics: Discussions on current issues and events for the community.
Sample Library Podcasts
- The Library is in (New York Public Library)
- Circulating Ideas
- Call Number with American Libraries Podcast
- Library Punk
- A Little Too Quiet | The Ferndale Library Podcast
- Barrowed / Brooklyn Public Library
- ANAMED Library “Burada Konuşmak Serbest” Podcast
Podcasts and libraries are two important tools that unite in the goal of disseminating knowledge and providing access to communities. Libraries are embracing podcasts not only as a source of information, but also as a tool to build deeper connections with their users. This relationship is helping libraries redefine their role in the digital age, while building a stronger connection with their communities.
ANAMED Library “Burada Konuşmak Serbest” Podcast
“ANAMED Library Podcast: Burada Konuşmak Serbest” aims to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and the visibility of library and archives staff by presenting developments, projects, publications, business processes and innovations in libraries and archives to a wider audience. Since its inception, a total of 58 podcasts have been published by different institutions and experts. The initial focus was on podcasts with library and archive institutions in Turkey, followed by podcasts with institutions and individuals abroad. Thus, the podcast gained national and international recognition and became a unique communication platform.
We have tried to host all types of libraries in our podcasts. From art libraries to public libraries, from architecture libraries to science fiction libraries, we have tried to bring libraries and librarians of all types and subjects together with our listeners. Likewise, we tried to create diversity in archives.
We were the first research/university library in Turkey to publish podcasts and we managed to reach many of our colleagues. We increased the recognition and visibility of both ourselves and the institutions we hosted in our broadcasts.
There were 27 podcasts in librarianship and 25 in archiving. In addition, 6 international podcasts were broadcast in English. As of February, we have 686 followers on Spotfiy. Our most listened episode is the episode titled “Libraries and Design” with Sina Mater and İpek Yarar. We would like to thank everyone who listens to us!
For those who want to listen and follow our broadcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6JmGoakNaGDyeIueLz8FIi
İrem Ünal
Koc University
ANAMED Branch Librarian
