Audio podcast service in public libraries : a schematic study to utilize in public libraries in Egypt

Abstract

The study aimed to explore how Egyptian public libraries could benefit from podcasting services and to develop audio content for the Egypt Public Libraries system, accessible through digital streaming platforms. The study aimed to accomplish various secondary objectives, including identifying and evaluating podcast initiatives in both foreign and Arab public libraries, examining how Egyptian public libraries could leverage podcasting technology to enhance their service quality, establishing standards for evaluating podcasts in public libraries, and identifying the essential skills required for librarians and information specialists to create and manage podcasting platforms.

The researcher employed a descriptive survey approach to analyse the present implementation of this service in foreign public libraries and to investigate strategies for incorporating it within the Arab community. Various data collection tools were used, including direct observation to assess the feasibility of implementing these applications in Egyptian public libraries, along with a checklist as a primary tool to evaluate podcasting services in Egypt’s public libraries. The study recommended raising public awareness of podcasting technology in information institutions to maximize its benefits, organizing roundtable discussions to explore skill development for librarians in the digital and AI era, and creating job opportunities that integrate library science with podcast production.

The study also emphasized the importance of participating in local and international events and conferences to stay updated on podcasting advancements, advising managers to use the checklist to assess service quality, standardizing new job titles related to podcasting, and adjusting the job title of content creators working as library specialists to “Podcast Librarian” to position Egypt’s public libraries at the forefront of adopting global naming conventions.