Podcasting and Audiobooks

Since I have never listened to a podcast prior to "Learning 2.0", I was surprised by the breadth of topics that are available in the podcast universe. I ran searches on some of my eclectic hobbies on PostcastAlley.com and I came up with at least one podcast under every topic. (Topics searched: softball, crochet, cross stitch, photography, heavy metal).

When I search "library", I came up with podcasts for tips and techniques for library research, additions to the collection and news on what is happening in the library for different institutions. When I searched "book review", a multitude of options came up.

Searching the site was easy, but not all of the podcasts have an RSS feed, so if you want to subscribe to them you have to download a Podcast Aggregator. A link for downloading is provided.


Netlibrary through the PLCMC site was currently unavailable. My library, Woodbridge Public Library, offers downloadable audio books through the library catalog. The audiobooks are provided by ListenNJ and are accessed using your library card number. Available titles are designated in the library catalog as "electronic resource" or you can search ListenNJ directly once you are connected to the site. Titles are checked out for a maximum of 10 days and just like the library there are a limited number of each title available. If the title you want is not available, you can put your name on a waiting list and you will be notified by email when it is available. You need software to download the files from the site, but there is a link in the checkout.

I have used this service once before. After I got all the necessary software downloaded, OverDrive Media Console (available through ListenNJ) and iTunes, it is very easy to download. You just click on a link in the checkout. This is definitely something that I will be using in the future.

PS: After completing Assignment 5, I finally understand how to post a functioning link on this blog.