Libraries offer digital media for iPods, Palms and phones
By Susan Wilson
Public libraries are now offering downloadable ebooks, audiobooks and movies for use on computers, MP3 players and mobile phones. All you need is a library card and you are ready to download the digital media of your choice. As is true with all library books, your downloads have a limited lifespan for reading or viewing. When times up, they just stop working. Best of all there are no late fees.
According to Reuters, you can fill up your iPod or Computer with downloaded books and movies without paying a dime. All you need is the necessary software to read or watch or listen to your downloaded material and a library card.
Since public libraries only own a certain number of copies (paper or digital) of any given book or movie, some books and movies may already be checked out and have a waiting list. Even with that proviso, libraries provide plenty of material to keep even the most avid reader or movie goer happy.
Some libraries allow the downloads to remain on your computer for three weeks while others limit your reading/viewing time to one week. That may also depend upon the popularity of the downloaded material. Whatever the time limit may be, there are always options to check out your ebook, audiobook or movie again.
Overdrive Inc. is a library distributor that has agreements with publishers and music companies. Items from HarperCollins and Alligator records can be located through his company.
By providing downloadable media for library patrons, libraries are able to offer books and movies that they would not have room for on the shelves. Library space is limited and items provided for download, don’t take up space or have to be reshelved saving space and labor.
The Phoenix Public Library has a wonderful online page that lists their downloadable offerings. You can download TumbleBook Library ebooks for kids, Seven Cats and the Art of Living by Jo Coudert in audio, or Three Broadway Girls in video. All you need is a library card and a computer.
Even where I live in Buncombe County, North Carolina, we have downloadable ebooks and music. Since we are considered a “rural” area, there is hope for all of you to find similar offerings in your area.
Now if you will excuse me, I have to go renew my library card.
Related:
Entry was posted
on Thursday, August 7th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
under
Read more entries by Susan Wilson.
Stumble It!
