Using podcasts to promote Government documents collections

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a model for creating podcasts to promote academic library resources and services, with an emphasis on government documents collections.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the Mississippi State University (MSU) Libraries' project to develop podcasts that promote the Libraries' numerous resources and programs to the University's students, faculty and staff. Specifically, the paper discusses the Government Documents and Microforms Department's involvement in this project.FindingsThe Government Documents and Microforms Department's three podcast links received a total of 64 hits during the first three months the MSU Libraries' podcasts were available (September 2006‐November 2006). This is in comparison with the 4,318 hits the Department's six major online resources received during the same period.Practical implicationsThis paper will allow academic librarians to gain a basic knowledge of the podcast technology, identify possible resources from their own libraries to advertise via the podcast medium, and learn strategies for creating podcast scripts to promote both government and non‐government information resources.Originality/valueBy subscribing to podcast feeds that describe library resources or events, patrons can learn more about these resources, and receive instruction in how to use them, at their convenience. By promoting the use of government documents in particular, librarians can connect students, faculty and other researchers with information materials that are applicable to a wide range of academic disciplines and to daily life.