TIP SHEET FOR DOWNLOADABLE AUDIOBOOKS
Back to the Downloadable Audiobooks
Page
We have downloadable audiobooks from two different distributors.
Overdrive – a company where we also get ebooks, also
has an audio component and a downloadable video.
- Like the ebooks, some Overdrive downloadable audio circulate only
one at a time, just like paper books. In other words, one customer
can have an audiobook checked out at a time. You can place holds
through the Overdrive system to get in the queue for the audiobook
once it is returned. A few titles now are always available.
NetLibrary/Recorded Books – works differently.
- NetLibrary/ Recorded Books allows multiple listeners or users to
download and listen to a book simultaneously .
Unfortunately, as with any new technology, there is not yet a standard
way to do things.
Troubleshooting individual players is not something we can provide
much help with. Many players are out there that the products can be
downloaded to. Vendors are very clear that they do not troubleshoot
at the product level. Patrons can be referred to product websites.
Attention Mac and iPod users :
One drawback to both products is their inability to work with Mac
computers, nor do they work with iPods. Neither of the Audiobook
products works on iPods. Why not? The short version is that
they both use the .wma format, for Windows Media Player. Apple uses
the .aac format for iPods, and they are not currently using that format
for their digital audiobooks. All players play MP3 format, but they
don't have the security that the publishers and vendors require. They
are too easy to copy, burn and share. There is not currently a library
product that works with iPods. Patrons may be familiar with Audible.com,
which sells Audiobooks in conjunction with iTunes for iPods, but they
do not sell to libraries for lending.
Which players work with these products?
- Go to http://www.playsforsure.com to
find out which players are Microsoft Windows Media Player compatible.
Look for mp3 players that have bookmarking capabilities. There are
also links here to each of the devices websites which may be able
to help customers with troubleshooting.
Check the help files for both products. Both have an easily visible “Help” link.
Both have an ebook component so be sure what you are reading is the “Audiobook” part
of help.
| |
NetLibrary |
Overdrive |
Players
that work with both products |
Go
to http://www.playsforsure.com |
Go to http://www.playsforsure.com |
| Software needed to play |
Windows Media Player, Version 9 or newer.
You can also use Music Match Jukebox 8.2 or newer and Nullsoft
Winamp 5, which also play wma files. |
Windows Media Player, version 9 or newer, plus you
must also download the Overdrive Media console from their page. |
| How do I get them? |
From the AACPL home page, click on the icon, Download
Audiobooks . NetLibrary/Recorded Books and Overdrive are
on the same page. |
From the AACPL home page, click on the icon, Download
Audiobooks . Overdrive and NetLibrary/Recorded Books are
on the same page |
| Do I need a library card? |
No. But you do need to come into
the library the first time to set up your registration with
NetLibrary if you do not have a card. |
|
Yes. They will ask you for it to check out a book or audiobook. |
| Can I just download a chapter at a time, or do I
need to get the whole book? |
|
You can download individual chapters. |
| How do I transfer to a portable device? |
Follow the instructions in Windows
Media Player to “transfer.” (These
are different depending on which version you are using.) |
From the Overdrive media console,
select “Transfer/burn” and
follow the instructions from there. |
Can I burn to a CD? |
No. NetLibrary files are encrypted and while it may look like
it is burning, it will not play. |
With some publishers you can burn
to a CD. Select the “copy
to CD or device” and select “burn to CD.” |
Can I find records for these
items in the library catalog? |
|
Yes |
Yes |
How many can I check out at a time? |
10 |
A combination of 6 ebooks and audiobooks. |
What kinds of audiobooks are included? |
All of the audiobooks are produced by the vendor Recorded Books.
These include popular materials, Pimsleur language files, the Bible
and children's materials. You can search these titles at http://www.netlibrary.com/
RecordedBooks/ |
There are a variety of vendors,
including Books on Tape, Brilliance, Listening Library, Listen & Live, and more. You can view the
entire list from the link on the Overdrive page that says “View
All Audiobooks.” |
Can I renew them? |
Yes. They check out for 21 days, and can be renewed if you have
not finished. |
No. They check out for 21 days.
You may check out again if no one is waiting, otherwise you
have to get back in line. Some titles are always available. |
|
Can I return them early and checkout something else? |
No. |
No but ebooks can be returned early. |
What happens after the 21 days is over? |
Even though the file stays on your PC, you can no longer access
it. (Essentially, your license expires.)You will need to manually
delete the file from your PC. On your MP 3 player the file is still
accessible. Your limitation is the amount of space you have available
on the device to keep titles. |
Even though the file stays on your computer you can no longer
access it. You will need to manually delete the file from your
device. However, if you have burned to a CD, these will still work
indefinitely. |
Back to the Downloadable Audiobooks Page
9/29/06 Revised
Adapted from a tip sheet prepared by Jamie Watson,
Harford Co. (MD) Public Library
