New York Public Library Launches Downloadable Audio Book Program

Posted on June 14, 2005

The New York Public Library announced that it is making 700 books from its collection available to members in digital audio form. Library members can download the files onto PC's, MP3 players or CD Players. The list includes a range of books from the classics to current bestsellers.

"We are delighted to announce the availability of downloadable audio books as part of our circulating collection," said Susan Kent, director and chief executive of the branch libraries. "Library users today are much more technologically sophisticated than ever; our aim is to continue to provide our users with free access to materials in whichever format they prefer."
Digital audio books are available for free to members through the library's Web site. Users can borrow up to 10 digital books at a time, and after 21 days the materials will be automatically checked in and made available to others.

The 21-day listening feature should allay the copyright concerns of publishers. That feature is enforced through licenses, which are files that allow protected content to be played with Windows Media Player. Before Windows Media Player will open a protected file, it verifies that the user has the appropriate license. If the user does not have a license for the content, the file will not open. According to the library's website, licenses are automatically managed by OverDrive Media Console when eAudio titles are downloaded. In other words, when your license runs out, you won't be able to listen to The Da Vinci Code any longer.