Help!

UPDATE: I have what I need to create this podcast. However, I've been thinking it would be nice to be able to create podcasts at some point in the future.

I need to make a podcast, ASAP. I don't know what I need for equipment, etc. I've been asked by a library trade magazine to record a podcast talking about some technology-oriented stuff I've been doing. Sorry about being vague, but if I can't record the podcast I don't want people to be looking for it. The magazine will be hosting the the audio, so I don't need to worry about server space, etc.

Anyone local (central NJ) to me have equipment I could borrow or use?

Tags: libraries, podcasting

Floppy Disks

So here's a question for those of you out there in library land. What do you do with floppy disks that get left behind by patrons? In theory, we hold them for a few months, then dispose of them. However, we have no system in place to do this. They build up until there's a stack of 30 or 40 and then we go through them. Many of our patrons are switching over to flash drives (we have a mix of machines, some are not USB capable), but there are a lot (mostly younger people) that still use floppy disks.

We're thinking of getting an official floppy disk holder with month separators to slot the found disks in. But until we do this, we just have a stack.

Anyone do something different? Does anyone reformat the disks for patron use?

Tags: libraries, floppy disks

Library Appreciation Days

Many of you (particularly in the state of NJ) already know about this, but this next weekend--Friday September 8 and Saturday September 9--is Library Appreciation Days in NJ. This event is a partnership between NJLA and Barnes & Noble.

Patrons bring vouchers into B&N this weekend and have them filled out with the dollar total of their purchase. A percentage of sales from each store goes to NJLA, which in turn is returned to the libraries for Summer Reading.

Part of me is always surprised when B&N teams up with libraries for things like this as I always think that the two are opposed to each other. However, conversations with the manager of the Princeton B&N lead me to believe that the people at B&N understand that bookstores and libraries provide different services and that there is plenty of room for both of us. Now we just need to educate the public.

You can find a PDF here that explains the program and the voucher is available here.

I will be at the North Brunswick B&N on Saturday from 2:30 to 6:30 to talk to people about services the library offers. Any suggestions on what I should talk about? We have downloadable audiobooks, great Summer Reading, historical township information, etc. But what's something I might be overlooking?

Tags: libraries