Sep 3 2008
Library in Phoenix has the capabilities of allowing iPhone/iTouch/iPod users to download audio books. The users have to download a software that deletes the audio books after three weeks. I’m not exactly sure how that works but it is certainly a neat idea.
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Sep 03, 2008 @ 09:29:58
Downloadable audiobooks for MP3 devices have been available from libraries for a while now and the DRM code that downloads with them is what makes them disappear after the “checkout” period expires. My library contracts with Overdrive to provide the books and it works very well. What hasn’t worked is the use of iPods, etc as the destination devise.
Up until pretty recently Apple was not allowing any other downloads to their devises – something that made us and our patrons crazy. After all, iPods are the most ubiquitous MP3 devise out there. And for our patrons to use it for our checkoutable, downloadable audiobooks involved a pretty onerous workaround (though it could be done). More recently, Apple has started to relax a little bit. Could be because of all the apps being written for the iPhone, could be because more and more people are realizing DRM may not be the way to go.
We’re hoping at my library that the rights issues will be worked out and it will be as seamless to use an iPod or iPhone as any other MP3 player. In the meantime, I suggest that your readers check with their local library. Many are offering audio book downloads already.
Sep 03, 2008 @ 09:32:13
That is a very good idea, but unfortunately, out where I live, our libraries will not get this kind of feature for a long time. Sounds good though!
Sep 03, 2008 @ 11:18:51
Thanks to this post I just called my library and they just got a grant to start doing this. Yippee! I am constantly listening to audiobooks, either driving or “working out” (note scare quotes), but since they cost two to three times what a paperback does, cost is prohibitive.
Sep 03, 2008 @ 11:32:06
There are also free podiobooks being given away all over the web. The best spot for them is http://www.Podiobooks.com – and they’re iPod compatible. They’ve got some really good books that way too – and no worry about returning them.
Sep 03, 2008 @ 11:39:41
I would love to listen to books on my iPod. I’ll have to ask about this the next time I’m in the library.
Sep 03, 2008 @ 11:55:25
They used to have the Overdrive WMA books along with Adobe and Mobi books for your computer/handheld device, but now they are offering the audio books in MP3 format so the iPod users can access it as well.
I think it’s awesome. I have a generic mp3 player and love to listen to books while grocery shopping, etc, but now I have lots more books available and my friends who bought the Apple products can now use it as well.
Win for everyone, I think. The Greater Phoenix Online Library has a huge selection of books and they add more all the time.
Oh, and they have movies and shows as well. We downloaded an IMAX Nile movie this morning.
Sep 04, 2008 @ 18:25:33
My library does this as well.