Anne Arundel County Public Library

TIP SHEET FOR DOWNLOADABLE AUDIOBOOKS
Back to the Downloadable Audiobooks Page
We have downloadable audiobooks from two different distributors. Unfortunately, as with any new technology, there is not yet a standard way of downloading audiobooks.
OverDrive - a company where we also get eBooks, has downloadable audio and downloadable video components.

Most OverDrive downloadable audiobooks circulate only one copy to one person at a time. If all the copies are checked out, you can place holds through the OverDrive link to get in the queue for the audiobook. Some titles are always available.

NetLibrary Recorded Books

NetLibrary Recorded Books allows multiple listeners or users to download the same book simultaneously for most titles. A few titles are now one person per copy at a time.

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. The product website is the best place to look for troubleshooting help.
Attention Mac and iPod users:
NetLibraryRecorded Books & Overdrive are offering some titles in the MP3 format which will play on iPod and iPhone products from Apple. However, a PC is still required at this time to download the titles.
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 Recorded Books

OverDrive

Players

Go http://www.oclc.org/audiobooks/techspecs/devices.htm
This has players that work with either MP3 or WMA formats. Some work with both.

Go to http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/

Software needed to play

Media Center requires Windows Media Player, Version 11 or newer and Windows XP or Windows Vista. See:
http://www.netlibrary.com/Help/DisplayTopic.aspx?Name=MediaCenter/InstallationRequirementsForMediaCenter

Windows Media Player, Version 9 or newer plus the OverDrive Media console downloadable from the OverDrive page. See http://www.overdrive.com/software/omc/

How do I get them?

Select the Books, Movies, Music menu and click on Downloadable Audiobooks .

Select the Books, Movies, Music menu and click on Downloadable Audiobooks

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 – to check out an item.

Can I just download a section at a time, or do I need to get the whole book?

Yes.

Yes. You can download a chapter at a time.

How do I transfer to a portable device?

Follow the instructions in Media Center.

From the OverDrive media console, select Transfer/burn and follow the instructions.

Are these items in the library catalog?

Yes

How many can I have checked out at a time?

A combination of 4 audiobooks, eBooks, and video.

What kinds of audiobooks are included?

Audiobooks produced by Recorded Books including popular materials, Pimsleur language files, children’s materials and the Bible.

A variety of vendors including Books on Tape, Brilliance, Listening Library and more.

Can I renew them?

Yes. They check out for 21 days, and can be renewed if you haven’t finished them.

No. They check out for 14 days. You may check a title out again if no one is waiting. Some titles are always available.

Can I return them early and checkout something else?

No.

No though OverDrive eBooks can be returned early.

What happens after the checkout time is over?

Even though the file stays on your PC, you can no longer access it because your license expires. You will need to manually delete the file from your PC. On your MP3 player the file is still accessible but limited to the amount of space you have available on the device to keep titles.

Revised May 2009