Library Podcasts FAQ
1. What is a podcast?
A podcast is a short audio progamme delivered over the Web. Most podcasts are MP3 files, so they can be played on a range of devices, such as mobile phones, MP3 players and computers.
2. Why is the Library making podcasts?
We've made podcasts to assist you in finding information relating to your study. They tell you how to find resources quickly and make the best use of your time.
Podcasts are flexible. You can listen to them once or as many times as you like. You can transfer a podcast to an MP3 player (such as an iPod) and listen to it while you are walking, riding a bike, driving a car or just taking it easy.
3. How do I listen to a podcast?
If you click on the Play/Download icon, the Play/Download Podcast window will appear. This window allows you to listen to the podcast or to download it to your computer.
You can also subscribe to Library podcasts. Subscribing will check for new Library podcasts and download them into your podcatching software.
4. How do I subscribe to the Library podcasts?
Click on the Subscribe icon. This will bring up a window which displays the feed URL.
If you have iTunes installed, follow these steps to subscribe:
- copy the feed URL
- launch iTunes
- choose the Subscribe to Podcast command from the Tools menu
- paste the feed URL into the URL box
- click on the OK button.
If you have Juice insalled, follow these steps:
You can download these either or these free programs from the iTunes download page or the Juice site. iTunes is very popular. Juice is a smaller file size: the choice is up to you.
Either program will check our subscription feed regularly and download new content when it's available. Once downloaded, you can transfer the MP3 file to any device that plays digital audio.
5. Do I need an iPod to listen to the Library podcasts?
No. Our podcasts will play on anything that will play MP3 files, such as mobile phones, MP3 players, laptops and desktop computers.
6. I clicked on the Play button in the Play/Download window and nothing happened. What now?
If you are on a slow connection, it might take some time for the podcast to start playing.
If the podcast appears to be playing, but you can’t hear anything, check your sound settings. You may have the sound turned down. Also, check that your speakers are connected.
Another possibility is that your browser may have downloaded the podcast to your computer. Simply locate the podcast file on your computer and double-click on it. It should begin to play in Quicktime or Windows Media Player.
7. Still no luck. Who do I contact?
Call the Information Desk on 02 6773 2458 (extn 2458). We will do our best to sort out the problem.
8. What podcasts are available from the University Library?
The Library will provide new podcasts every two weeks or so. There will be additional podcasts early in the academic year.
Stay tuned.