A podcasting project run by South Lanarkshire libraries has been shortlisted for a national award.
Lending Voices makes recording and editing equipment available for local residents and organisations to borrow, and “make podcasting available to everyone in South Lanarkshire”.
It has now been nominated in the Project Excellence category at the annual awards run by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), with the winner being announced at a ceremony next month.
The project provides two full podcasting kits containing a portable studio, microphones, headphones and a laptop for recording, publishing and editing from any of South Lanarkshire’s 23 libraries.
So far the equipment sets have been used to create podcast episodes on topics including stories of local women, yoga and Spanish sessions, interviews with Lanarkshire authors and highlighting local nature projects.
Beginners are offered taster sessions to learn to use the equipment and work on creative ideas, and organisers say it has helped “discover the incredible stories, ideas and perspectives [of] the people of South Lanarkshire featuring voices from our community”.
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture’s award citation notes that the project “provided a platform to share stories, ideas and knowledge, enriching local culture and creating a sense of community; pop-up podcasting sessions, including talks and workshops, opened up an exciting range of partnership opportunities with people and organisations not previously engaged.”
Library staff say they are actively seeking contributions from local groups, charities and initiatives and say: “Technical knowledge and equipment costs needn’t be obstacles; we provide the tools, support, and learning opportunities to create your own podcast and share your voice with the world.”
The other nominees in the award category are library projects from West Dunbartonshire and Perth & Kinross, and from the National Library of Scotland.
SLIC chair Alan Clarke said: “The awards are about more than recognising first-class library services and innovative projects.
“They’re about shining a spotlight on the passionate people behind them who are channelling a great deal of care and creativity into every inspiring initiative they drive forward, and we look forward to inviting the nominees to celebrate their achievements with us at our showcase.”
The industry awards honour “excellence in library services across the country, with a particular focus on those who have demonstrated a wider positive impact on the communities they serve”, with winners receiving a trophy and cash prize.
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