Sharing our Voice through Podcasting

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Library Matters is Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) podcast, which was launched in February 2017. Since then, MCPL has released one podcast approximately every two weeks. Podcast topics range from library programs (Summer Read and Learn, Workforce Development) to services (online readers’ advisory, refresh building projects) to books (romance novels, cookbooks) to topics of more general interest (New Year’s resolutions, Academy Awards). The podcast is available in audio and transcript formats on our website and various podcast apps. The podcast is an innovative way to reach customers, new and old, in various places and to share information about parts of the library’s services that might normally not be seen. Podcasting is a good way to reach young professionals who might not be connected via traditional channels. The podcast also puts a “human” face on the library’s services as staff discuss topics for which they are passionate. It also builds staff moral by giving them a unique platform to share their expertise and interests. Since the initial launch, the podcast’s audience has continued to grow steadily. We have gotten more feedback from customers and staff members interested in the podcast and checking out services based on recommendations in the podcast.