Podcasts

(*please note that the visuals for the podcast are only meant to be place holders so that I could use YouTube for streaming)

 These podcasts are meant to part of a broader initiative of information literacy and the frame work is provided by the ACRL information literacy standards.

Module 1: Basic Concepts of Information Literacy

ACRL IL Standard 1: the information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed

We used the theme 'Inquiry' as a guide for the podcasts for Module 1.

 Ep. 1 - In the Cycle 

 In this first episode I wanted to do something that would really grab the listener's attention right from the beginning. I wrote a script that would be entertaining yet provide the listener with a solid conceptual understanding of the information cycle. For me, it is very important that students understand that users are at the center of the information cycle, that the information cycle is a participatory process and that they have a personal stake in understanding this process. My personal philosophy is to get across that information literacy is not just a "school skill" but is an essential ability to navigate and utilize the information landscape of today. The script went through several revisions as I collaborated with several of the librarians in GIS during the production process and their input proved invaluable in the completion of this first episode.

Episode 3 - What is a Source?

  If listened to in order, this will be the first podcast that the students hear.  I really enjoyed this conversation a lot.  I feel that her definition of a source is has a great deal of explanatory power but simple at the same time.  The way that we use it here could engender a lot of good class discussions either in a user instruction session or in the classroom.

Episode 5 - About Libraries and Librarians

  This is one of the interview style podcasts.  It was my hope that interviewing different people would give each podcast a different feel and help maintain user interest. One of my goals with this episode was to introduce the students to a more detailed discussion of just what is a library and what are librarians.  I think for a lot of the listener this will be the first time in a awhile that they really thought about definitions for 'library' and "librarian'.

Episode 6 - Popular vs. Scholarly

  For this interview Dr. Heidi Julien, Director of the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama, graciously agreed to to be interviewed about Popular vs Scholarly sources.  I asked because of her extensive experience in publishing academic and popular works.  A goal for this interview was for students to hear about academic publishing from someone who has done it.  Professors make an excellent interview because, not only are they experts, but are adept at explaining it as well.  This saved me a lot of time in the production process as there were fewer takes and less editing.

Episode 7 - Articles and Books

  At UA every student will get library instruction at some point and mostly likely that it will be given by one of the instruction librarians at GIS.  I interviewed three different instruction librarians for this series because I thought the podcasts could help listeners become more familiar, and hopefully more comfortable, with staff in the library as well as get essential information about a library skill or topic.