After you look at the two flow-charts make sure to look at:
1) two sample equipment scenarios and 2) practical tips.

Audio Capturing Process - Digital Source or Analog

Audio Distribution Process - Streaming Media via Networks

• Save a copy of the uncompressed audio source files to avoid future problems or having to re-encode if you must migrate to another streaming format or spped. This is essential for preservation projects, i.e. not on CDs.
• Realize that your choice of streaming format, speed of transmission, and playback client will be largely influenced by institutional IT support and policies (Griscom, 528-529).
• Be prepared to field questions from users related to IP filtering, remote authentication, improper installation of player software, and complaints regarding an inability to download, which they shouldn't be doing anyway. (Maple & Henderson, 192)
• When mastering sound files before encoding, do it in the following order: 1)Equalization, 2) Compression, and finally 3) Normalization. Though you must not do all of these, if you do more than one follow this hierarchy in order to get optimum quality, meaning little chance of feedback distortion and the most information rich sound file.
• If your institution can not afford or otherwise support streaming server technology, try using a regular http server and embed your audio file (whether formatted as an mp3, wma, au, etc.) into an html file using an Active X control.
• When capturing audio consider your audience and whether they have low or highbandwidth capabilities. If necessary encode at 28.8 kbps for modem connections and 112 kbps for ISDN connections.

©May 2003 Jana Marion Borchardt - This is an MLS independent study project done for the School of Library and Information Management - Emporia State University Email any comments or critiques to the webmaster