California: Escondido Public Library Adds Information Producers: YOU

From the San Diego Union-Tribune:

The Escondido Public Library is adding to its collection in a very modern way.

A new program called LibraryYOU — the first of its kind anywhere — lets community members share expertise and local knowledge through videos and podcasts. The digital documents are cataloged like any other material in the library’s collection. The program was conceived by digital services manager Donna Feddern and brought to life through a $35,000 Library Services and Technology Act grant awarded last fall. The federal money was administered by the state librarian.

[Clip]

Since LibraryYOU went live at the end of January, a dozen videos and one podcast have been produced and uploaded to the library’s website, on subjects ranging from patient advocacy to planting a garden to using fondant frosting.

“Escondido is creating these videos and this knowledge, and we’re getting hits from all over the world,” Feddern said of the international attention from consumers and libraries. “So we’re creating knowledge and sharing it around the world.”

City Librarian Jo Ann Greenberg said LibraryYOU is more successful than they ever dreamed.

Read the Complete Article
Visit the Escondido Public Library “Library YOU Web Site”
Videos and podcasts are accessible to all visitors.

Filed under: Funding, Libraries, Podcasts, Public Libraries