Sharing via iTunes: making the wireless connection

I'd really like to find a way to take advantage of the iTunes shared network feature. When I connect to the campus wireless network I can see other users who are online and have iTunes libraries. There are about 30 others on right now.

There are a couple of security settings for files: open to all, password protected, or completely blocked. Ultimately no harm can be done since files can't be uploaded or downloaded, just played.

I've been listening to the collection of someone called Rocking Prof of TSRB (Technology Square Research Building) and there is an eclectic mix, from Elvis to Eminem, as well as the Dead Kennedy's, U2, The Beatles, Spice Girls (?), Soft Cell, The Smiths, Siouxsie, Sex Pistols, Kanye West— we're talking over 5000 songs and 23GBs of tunes here. Commercial Free!

How can libraries use this? Let's put information literacy to the side for a minute, because sure, you could host tutorials and content about the library (itunes plays videos) but let's think bigger. Last week we had Maya Angelou give a talk on campus, why not dump that video or podcast into an iTunes library—as well as other speakers and events? How about a weekly student interview series or alumni talks? How about sporting event replays or the coach's talk show? How about short commercials highlighting different clubs, organizations, or services on campus? How about review sessions for the mega-classes (at least here at GT) like physics, computer science, chemistry, and calculus that all underclassmen have to take? There is a lot of potential and the content could be used in other formats and forums as well. The Library serves to bring interesting stuff to the user.

This hits two of my big themes: target the niche and immerse the library within the community.

Comments

[jill]

Neat! I didn't know about this feature...

I like that you're looking at how the library fits in a larger context. We are community-builders/connectors after all, and these ideas would help us fill that role.

:)

[brian]

Well, I guess a library could also burn some of their cds and push them out in this context-- and go with the message, listen online or come in and check them out if you want... something like that.

I’d like to aim to surprise them. Students will be looking around on their network for music and they will find that the library has a lot to offer and you get that--- hmmm, cool, outcome. You know, trying to be ubiquitous… and not always selling the library.

[Doy]

I read the post, "Sharing via iTunes: making the wireless connection" Nice information.... Thank you for sharing...

[ju]

wowo