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iPods in your library
August 27, 2007

iPods in the library? And how! Just because Apple made the iPod simple to use doesn't make it a simple device. There are hidden depths to the iPod that you can tap for use in your library.

Did you know that the iPod can play audiobooks as well as the latest pop hits? iTunes has thousands of audiobooks formatted for the iPod. Our library system just bought 60 iPod shuffles ($79 each) and will be loaning the players with pre-loaded audiobooks to students starting next week. The books seem to run a little bit less than on CD, and the flexiblity for delivery is a great bonus. While this is a one audiobook on one iPod arrangement right now, we are working with Apple and Audible (the source for iTunes) to try and come up with new licensing arrangements.

Did you know that the iPod can be an RSS reader? There is a little known Notes feature built in to iPods that allows you to store and read electronic text files on your iPod. When you plug in your iPod with manual synchronization activated, it will "mount" the iPod, i.e. make it appear as an external hard drive for file storage. Check My Computer for the iPod name on Windows or look on your Mac desktop for the iPod link. Inside the iPod will be a folder labeled Notes. Drop in a .TXT file and it will be readable on your iPod. Better yet, grab a piece of software like iNews (Windows download) or iFeedPod (Mac Download) and have all the latest updates from your subscribed RSS feeds synchronized as notes on your iPod.

News, notes, a calendar, audiobooks...what's not to like about iPods as a research tool in your library? [oooohh...leaving myself open with that one, eh?]

Posted by Chris Harris on August 27, 2007 | Comments (0)