Our teen librarian and I have been talking about starting a Podcast Club for 5th-8th graders. In our Children’s Services Department we serve ages birth-6th grade and the Teen Services Department serves grades 7th-12th. We have started doing crossover programs for grades 5th-8th to make the transition smoother for kids going from the Children’s department to the Teen department. We’ve both been interested in podcasting but know nothing about it. Today’s panel discussion So You Want to Podcast… was very informative and helped me realize that I don’t have to be afraid of podcasting. Panelists Phil Morehart (Dewey Decibel podcast), Gwen Glazer (The Librarian Is In), Adriane Juarez (Library Leadership Podcast) and Joseph Janes (Documents That Changed the World) discussed their podcasts and everything that goes into making them successful. Here were some of the main take aways for me:
- “Writing to be heard is different than writing to be read.” Joseph Janes, who scripts his podcast, mentioned this if you’re planning on writing ahead of time.
- If you’re not planning on scripting the podcast, be sure to outline the structure.
- Gwen Glazer said that doing a podcast for your library can definitely be a part of your library’s mission because you’re relaying information to your patrons using a new format.
- Phil Morehart said not to let a lack of fancy equipment stop you. You don’t have to be a tech wizard to pull it off.
- It’s a great way to expose your listeners to collections they may not know you have.
- Discuss topics you are passionate about.
While this panel was geared toward adults starting podcasts for their libraries, I truly think the advice given can be adapted to working on a podcast with children. I think it will be a phenomenal way to give them a voice and a platform to discuss topics that are important to them. And I’m confident we can learn right along with them.