As an intern at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) - Main Teens facility, I currently work with teens on a podcast project. A podcast is a digital audio file in mp3 format that can be downloaded onto a computer for listening, or saved to an mp3 player such as an I-pod. Our digital media project is essentially a virtual pen pal program between the Trails West Teen Advisory Council (Kansas City Public Library) and the TAC at the main Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh facility. Each advisory group creates a podcast that addresses the other group, with information about activities, books being read, and even the music we enjoy.

The purpose of the program is three-fold:

1) To introduce teens to digital media creation. After we have created a series of virtual pen pal podcasts, we will be able to identify whether or not we wish to use this technology to pursue bigger media projects. For example, the teens might embark on an ongoing podcast radio show about new books or library programs. But for now, this simple media project allows us to get our feet wet without making a big commitment to an ongoing radio podcast, as we are unsure if such a program would be sustainable.

2) To participate in an exchange of ideas. The podcast project provides teens with an opportunity to share and exchange ideas with another teen advisory council. We hope to gain ideas about library programs, books to read, and projects to pursue. We also want to get to know some other cool teens!

3) To market teen library services. The podcast expresses proof of the engaging teen library programs at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and can be used to market library services to teens. It is posted on the CLP teens blog, allowing web visitors to become acclimated with Teen Services through the digital media provided. Additionally, the podcast might be used during school visits to audibly demonstrate teen library activity. Finally, it can be used to show the community and constituencies the positive way that teens are interacting at the library through constructive social activities and advisory council projects.

Listen to Our Podcast!

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh teens created the first podcast a couple of weeks ago, and it can be listened to on the player below, or at ourmedia.