What is the difference between a downloadable audiobook and an ebook?

An ebook, also called an electronic book, like a downloadable audiobook, is a digitized version of a print book. It, however, does not have sound capability and is read or viewed with different software on a desktop/laptop computer or pocket PC (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader). Downloadable audiobooks require software capable of playing sound, such as Windows Media Player.

What is the difference between these audiobooks and MP3 audiobooks?

These audiobooks are written in a WMA format (Windows Media Audio) and are playable on computers or players that support this media type. MP3 (Moving Pictures Experts Group Layer 3 Audio) files are simply another audio file type that can also be played on computers and players that support this media type.

What hardware is required?

Audio books can be downloaded to any desktop or laptop computer supporting Windows Media Player (version 9 and above). It can then be transferred to a wide range of portable devices including portable music players, Portable Media Centers, Pocket PCs, and even select Smartphone devices.

What software does my computer need?

We recommend using the latest version of your Internet browser (IE 5.5+, Netscape 6.2+, Mozilla 1.1+, Firefox (Firebird) .06+, Opera 7.x, Camino 0.7+) and Windows Media Player (version 9 and above). A full list of supported players can be found:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/devices/

Are portable players available at the library?

Yes. They can be checked out for 3 weeks at Circulation.

Can I play this on my Mac or iPod?

Unfortunately, these products are not compatible at this time.

What type of Internet connection do I need?

The Library only recommends downloading CD Quality audio files with high speed connections such as DSL and Cable. Only CD Quality Audio Files can be transferred to portable devices.

How long does it take?

Can I burn a CD with this file?

The WMA format is for playback on computers and certain portable devices only. An audiobook file cannot be "burned" or transferred to a CD.

You will need to visit the library to set up your account. If you already have a NetLibrary ebook account, then you may use this account information to access the audiobooks. Simply visit the audiobook download center.