Statement by Stephen Michael
Kellat
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2009
LAS VEGAS--The following statement was made by Stephen
Michael Kellat today for Erie Looking Productions:
"It is my pleasure to announce that Erie Looking Productions has
taken up operation of LISFeeds for LISHost. As part of the
redevelopment of that site, LISFeeds is experiencing a change in
mission. LISFeeds is becoming a site now for librarians skittish
about podcasts who want to take tentative steps.
"Using an open source software package called planet, we have
created an aggregation portal. With the agreement of Chuck Cage and
Greg Schwartz at launch, we are able to include the podcasts
Galactica Watercooler, ToolTalk, and Uncontrolled Vocabulary. The
audio version of LISTen from LISNews is also included in the mix.
Due to the nature of government-produced programs, we have included
a few United States Government podcasts in the mix.
"The mission now is to provide further access to programs produced
by librarians. Informational shows that would benefit librarians
through increases in knowledge are also included. ToolTalk talks
about the realm of tools which is likely to be important with
regards to possible reference questions by shade tree mechanics
during these economic times. Galactica Watercooler covers science
fiction and comics, perennial areas of concern for young adult and
adult services patrons librarians might serve. Uncontrolled
Vocabulary and LISTen are two large general information programs
within the realm of librarianship that talk about professional
issues. We've also included in the mix programs from the National
Library of Medicine as well as the Voice of America, the Centers
for Disease Control & Prevention, and the United States
Army.
"Discovery tools for podcasts are not perfect. Following on the
moves toward curation happening at Mahalo, we are attempting to
take steps in that direction where the ALA should but isn't.
Curated glimpses into the realm of podcasting can be great not only
for discovering new programs but also for easing adoption of new
media systems by librarians. A setting like this is likely more
familiar to the average librarian than iTunes, gpodder, bashpodder,
or other podcatchers. The goal is for folks to be comfortable
taking first steps in new media.
"Podcasts can be added to the aggregator as time passes. Since we
sometimes need to have verifiable expressions of interest to back
us up in seeking to add other content providers, the contact link
points to instructions instead of an e-mail address. Digitally
signed messages sent using an OpenPGP-compliant system give us
verifiable interest needed in any approaches. The linked
instructions explain roughly how to install such a package and use
it to communicate with Erie Looking Productions.
"We will be judging podcasts as to quality when considering
additions. There is plenty of material out there that pays no
attention to production values. In creating a portal where people
can start to explore podcasts, we want to show off the best out
there.
"This will be an adventure. Hopefully it proves useful to
librarians at large."
LISFeeds can be found online at http://www.lisfeeds.com/.
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For more information:
Michael J. Kellat, Owner, Erie Looking Productions:
erielookingproductions@gmail.com