What is a podcast? A podcast is an Internet radio show in MP3 audio file format.   It is distributed to potential listeners via the Internet using an RSS feed.  The term podcasting was first used to describe broadcasting audio on an iPod, the popular MP3 player from Apple. How do I listen to a podcast from the Virginia Beach Public Library? To listen, you will need a computer or another Internet enabled device such as an MP3 player that is equipped with headphones or a speaker.  To listen with your computer, select the listen button with the headphones icon.  The podcast will play through your speakers.

How do I download a podcast and listen with my MP3 player?

You can also download the file and play it on an MP3 player or other mobile device that accepts the MP3 file format.  To do this, select the download icon.   You will be prompted to save or open the file with your default media  player.

Also, you can also use your right mouse button and click on the download button then select the "Save Target As" option.  You can decide where to save the file for transfer to your MP3 Player.

What's an RSS feed?

RSS stand for "Really Simple Syndication" or "Rich Site Summary"; it is a file format for delivering regularly updated information via the web. RSS content is called a "feed."  Written in XML, an Internet coding language, an RSS reader is required to use RSS. An RSS reader is a small software program that collects and displays RSS feeds.

Why are podcasts offered as a feed?

Podcasts are offered in a "feed" so that you can easily keep up with your Internet radio show's latest episode.  It's like having T.V. Guide for your favorite television shows --- only better.  You know exactly what's playing now!

How do I subscribe to RSS for Library podcasts?

You can easily subscribe to RSS feed for any library podcast. First, you need to either install software that allows you to subscribe to a podcast.  Many Internet browsers using an Internet Explorer 7 or Firefox, and Safari  have built in RSS readers.  You can subscribe by select the RSS button by library's podcast show.  A new tab will open in IE 7 and Firefox. Then, select the subscribe to this feed link.  The feed will be added to your RSS reader.

Tell me about other options?

The most popular podcast subscription software is Apple's iTunes, but there are a number of software packages to choose from. The more commonly used ones are:

• iTunes
• Juice
• Doppler

So, tell me more?

To subscribe to one of the library's podcast feeds, right click with your computer mouse on any link and choose "copy link location" or "copy shortcut" and paste the location into your podcast software. You can use your podcast software to listen to the podcast on your computer.

Remember, if you want to listen to a podcast away from your computer, you will need to transfer the file to your MP3 player. Check the podcast software that you are using for instructions on how to do this.

For iTunes users only

1. Choose 'Advanced' and 'Subscribe to Podcast' from the iTunes menu
2. In the URL: box, paste the URL to the XML file.
3. To get the URL from the VBPL podcast page, right-click on the pod/rss feed button
4. Choose "Copy Link Location" (for Firefox users) or "Copy Shortcut" (for Internet Explorer).
5. Select OK and iTunes will grab the podcast