Hot Topics: April 2005 Archives

Podcasting is a variation on RSS (Real Simple Syndication) wherein the RSS feeds contain automatically downloadable sound files. What are the chances it will take off in the library world? In a word: Good. Before next summer, dozens of libraries, large and small, academic and public, will likely offer their own podcasts.

Although the technology (and term) is only a few months old, podcasting is beginning to create a buzz in the online world. Unlike the content offered through commercial subscription services such as Audible, podcasting allows any organization to seamlessly "push" audio content to anyone interested in listening, including library patrons. Podcasting has been described as Tivo for web-based radio. Plug an iPod or other MP3 player into a computer running free software available from iPodder or iPodderX. If you're online and have subscribed to a podcast feed (just like an RSS feed) through one of those applications, audio content will be downloaded to your MP3 player automatically. Unplug the iPod from the computer and have a listen. Imagine listening to the latest NPR programming or independent radio on your commute to work, or better yet the latest digest from the Libraries' blog. The potential uses are endless.

For a directory on podcasts, see iPodder.org or Podcast Alley.

--David Murray

The Library is currently conducting a trial of a new online service -- Computing Reviews. Using any computer on campus, you can link to the trial via our Computer and Information Science subject guide page or via the Reviews.com web site. Send your comments to Kathy Szigeti, Science Librarian, or call her at 1-4725. The trial period will end on April 27, 2005.

Computing Reviews (CR) is the authoritative publication of reviews in computing literature. With new reviews published each day, CR reflects the rapid evolution across all areas of computer science. Through its community of over 1,000 reviewers, CR provides its readers with the timely commentary and overview needed in identifying the most essential books and articles.

It allows readers to explore topics both broadly and in great detail. On the home page, reviews are divided into two sections, Articles and Books, with the most current reviews at the top. Here, readers can browse the beginning of reviews. CR's powerful navigational tools enable users to find the information most relevant to their work and research. Readers can follow their interests by creating customized searches and use personalized alerts to receive notice of the latest developments.

The database is a collaboration between Reviews.com and the ACM. Since the first online version of Computing Reviews went live in 2001, the coverage has expanded dramatically and the number of books and articles reviewed has more than tripled.