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University Library to Launch Pepperdine on iTunes U

Pepperdine University has signed a contract to become the newest member on iTunes U, a service platform provided by Apple that will enable the Pepperdine community to distribute digital videos and audio recordings over the Internet. 

Participation in the program will transform the public face of the university by allowing diverse members of the Pepperdine community and interested public to enjoy everything from classroom lectures to special events on a computer or a listening device like an iPod. Led by the Pepperdine University Libraries, with support from key stakeholders, the launch of the service will dramatically extend the reach of the Pepperdine learning community. Pepperdine is currently in phase one of the roll out process and will ensure public access to the site upon the completion of phase three.

The service allows audio and video recordings to be accessed from the Pepperdine iTunes U website which is part of the iTunes Store online. As a result, audio and video recordings from Pepperdine can be enjoyed for free in the form of a "podcast." The Pepperdine iTunes U platform provides an easy link to educational content 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is accessible to anyone with a Mac or PC enabling learners to stay connected anytime, anywhere.

Podcasts can be created by capturing audio and video footage of everything from class lectures to special events, theatrical performances, sermons, important meetings, and president's briefings. Guided tours and tutorials can even be created in the form of a podcast to orient people to Pepperdine's programs or create diverse training tools.

"The Pepperdine University Library team is delighted to work with Apple and our various campus partners to bring this service to the campus community," said Mark Roosa, Dean of the University Libraries. "For centuries, libraries have facilitated the distribution of information and knowledge. Pepperdine iTunes U provides a new avenue for continuing this time-honored tradition."

Project Timeline

Phase 1 – Soft Launch of Pepperdine iTunes U Project
o Space will be created to host the Pepperdine iTunes U site on the Apple
server.
o Libraries and IT will purchase hardware to make podcasting easy!
o Presentation Services will create portable audio and video recording kits.
o Pepperdine iTunes U webpage will be designed.
o Policies about quality, use, packaging, and protection will be established.

Phase 2 – Pepperdine Community Starts Creating Podcasts
o Library will add existing audio and video recordings to Pepperdine iTunes U.
o Podcast creation training will begin for interested faculty and departments.
o New recordings captured during summer sessions will be added to the site.
o Pepperdine iTunes U website will be available only to faculty, staff, and
students.

Phase 3 – Launch of Public Pepperdine iTunes U Website
o Selections from the Pepperdine iTunes U website will be available to the
public!
o Everyone will have FREE access to the public Pepperdine iTunes U site.

If you are interested in podcasting a class or event, or if you possess existing recordings that would be of value to the larger University community, please contact Michael Dula by calling (310) 506-4965.