McMaster University Libraries are expanding its podcast support with new equipment and learning opportunities, thanks to a collaboration between the Lewis and Ruth Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship and the Lyons New Media Centre.
Lyons New Media Centre has purchased three portable recording units through a Partnered in Teaching and Learning grant from the Office of the Provost co-awarded to both Centres. Now available for loan from Lyons New Media Centre on the fourth floor of Mills library, the mobile kits provide students, faculty and staff with more flexibility to capture rich recordings in both local and remote locations.
“We wanted something user-friendly for beginners but still capable of producing high-quality audio,” said Carlie King, digital media specialist with Lyons. “The goal was to make podcasting as accessible as possible.”
Podcasting continues to grow as an important medium for teaching, research, and community building, King says. These new kits respond to increased interest across campus while offering accessible, scalable support for creators at all levels.
The Sherman Centre provides guidance for those looking to understand how podcasts can enhance their research, whether through hosting, guest appearances, or discussing how they’re represented in podcast conversations.
Jack Young, research impact and bibliometrics librarian at the Sherman Centre, says podcasts open doors to more dynamic forms of scholarly communication.
“Podcasting captures the idea of science or research as a conversation,” said Young. “It mobilizes knowledge beyond a one-way journal article, reaching different audiences who may not read a traditional publication.”
Next term, the Sherman Centre and Lyons New Media Centre will co-host a campus event exploring how podcasting can support research, teaching and community engagement. The session will highlight real examples from McMaster scholars and provide practical guidance for those interested in getting started.
Community building is a key goal of the event, offering attendees opportunities to connect with others across campus who are using podcasting in their work.
“We want people to see how podcasts can be integrated into the scholarly communication process here at Mac,” said Young. “Podcasting isn’t something that has to happen in the margins of your work; it can actively contribute to the impact you’re trying to make.”
Scholarly Podcasting: Voices, Stories, & Strategies
Feb. 26, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship
• 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Scholarly Podcasting Panel Discussion
• 12-1 p.m. Catered Lunch
• 1-2:30 p.m. Best Practices and Podcasting Kit Demo
Join us for a panel discussion featuring McMaster researchers who use podcasting in their teaching, scholarship, and community engagement, followed by a catered lunch. In the afternoon, Lyons and the MacPherson Institute will lead a hands-on workshop covering equipment setups and podcasting resources.
Learn more
Visit the Lyons New Media Centre’s website to explore podcast equipment, spaces and booking options.
Visit the Sherman Centre’s website to learn more about podcasting support for researchers.
