Goodbye eAudiobooks, Hello Playaways
For the past year, the FRIENDS of the Danbury Library funded the service that allowed library customers to download unabridged audiobooks onto their computers and MP3 players. Based on the high cost and disappointingly low use of this service, however, we reluctantly decided to end this experiment as of July 1. Even tech-savvy customers reported that the download experience was not very user-friendly. Another big problem is that 90% of MP3 players in the U.S. are iPods, and the Recorded Books/Net Library product was not compatible with iPods due to Apple's proprietary software.
However, the FRIENDS have already agreed to fund a new audiobook format (in addition to the existing CD and cassette formats already in our AV collection) called Playaways. A Playaway is an MP3 player that comes with an unabridged audiobook already downloaded on it, and the controls couldn't be easier to use. We expect the first 50+ Playaway titles to be available in September, so look for news here, on the library's web site, and in our newsletter.
Comments
I was very disappointed to find that I will not be able to download eAudiobooks anymore. I have used this service for more than a year and was happy that I can get these books from home, on my time, and when I wanted. I enjoyed these books on my way to work (1 Hour drive each way), and I have downloaded approximately one book a week. Yes, there vere little problems, but I do not believe that was the reason to discontinue this service. I will have to find some other way to get some books on my MP3 player, and I am sorry it would have to be elsewhere, but in Danbury Library, considering it as a resourceful and sophisticated organization. Thank you very muc for the previous servicec, and I hope you will find some substitution for "eAudiobooks downloads".
Sincerely
Milada Vomela
Posted by: Milada Vomela | July 8, 2007 04:07 PM
I am disappointed to find that I can no longer use the eaudiobooks. this was the best idea that anyone ever had, and just because it didn't work with ipods is not, in my opinion, a good reason to quit the service. I downloaded my last one in september, and was disappointed when i came back not to be able to find them. i liked the fact that i could download them from home -- so convenient -- and did so often. one of the reasons that i bought my mp3 player was to use this service, so i am very disappointed in not being able to use it any longer.
Posted by: norma | October 29, 2007 12:34 AM
Very disappointing indeed. Also do not completely agree that 90% of audiobooks enthusiasts use iPods as that would have made NetLibrary defunct itself. Would hope this service is re-considered in future.
Posted by: Amit Chaturvedi | March 2, 2008 08:54 PM
I am also disappointed to find the downloadable audiobooks gond. I recently read that at least one service will soon start offering downloadable audiobooks that are compatible with iPods, so perhaps the Friends will reconsider?
Posted by: sharon | April 27, 2008 12:44 PM