Podcasting and digital storytelling have rapidly become powerful tools in knowledge translation, bridging the gap between research and broader audiences. Digital storytelling through audio offers a unique opportunity to humanize research, reach broader communities, and share ideas beyond the limits of traditional academic publishing. This workshop will introduce researchers and emerging creators to the foundational skills needed for starting audio production. 

We will discuss how to plan audio projects, with consideration for writing, audience, publishing logistics and copyright issues.  Participants will be able to identify quality audio, troubleshoot noise issues, and enhance fidelity. There will be opportunity to gain hands-on experience with recording equipment, microphones, and the audio booth at the Digital Scholarship Centre. We will introduce digital audio workstations (DAWs), but primary focus in this workshop will be planning, production and audio capture. Future workshops will provide more in-depth audio editing instruction.

What you need:
Participants are welcome to bring a laptop to take notes but all the audio equipment required for the workshop will be provided.

Completion of this workshop can contribute to a partial requirement of The University of Alberta Professional Development program by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). Information how attendance will be recorded will be provided in the workshop.

About the Instructors:
Sean Luyk is a Digital Curation Librarian at the University of Alberta and a Co-Investigator on two SSHRC-funded projects related to audio recording, including SpokenWeb and Radio/Archive: Broadcasting Literature and Cultures of Literary Sound. He organizes the Sounds of Research competition and has previously delivered workshops on sound, from podcasting bootcamps to hands-on training in recording tools and practices.

Hanne Pearce has worked at the University of Alberta Library for twenty years in several campus libraries where her work has focused on public service, communications, and now digital scholarship. She holds both an MLIS and an MA in Communications and Technology. In the Digital Scholarship Centre, her work focuses on providing expertise and support in media production (audio, video, photography), 2D and 3D design, and specialized software programs. In addition to her work at the University of Alberta, she is a freelance photographer, graphic designer and writer. Any questions about the workshop can be directed to hspearce@ualberta.ca