How are digital audiobooks different than traditional audiobooks?

A digital audiobook only exists as an electronic file that is downloaded to a computer over the internet. That file can then be transferred to a personal listening device (mp3 player) for portability and convenience. The library offers digital audiobook files from two different providers - Netlibrary and Overdrive. Both services offer digital audiobook files in two different formats:
—MP3 files which are compatible with many different devices including some cell phones, PDAs, and most portable music devices including the iPod and Zune
—.WMA files that are digitally protected and can only be played on Windows Media Player and/or portable listening devices that play DRM-protected .WMA files (this does not include iPods or Zunes). However, the OverDrive Media Console Version 3.2 does convert .WMA files into an iPod compatible format when the publisher permits this.  The Overdrive website will indicate for each .WMA file whether it is one that can be converted for use on an iPod.

How long is the checkout period on the digital audiobook titles?

The NetLibrary digital audiobook titles are "checked out" for 21 days. Overdrive has flexible lending periods; users can choose a 7-, 14- and 21-day checkout period. After this time the .WMA files cannot be played unless a new license is downloaded. You don't have to return eaudiobooks, but because of copyright you must delete them from your computer or player once you are finished or after the license expires. 

How can I find available digital audiobooks?

When you search the online TSCPL library catalog, you will find a digital audiobook icon for titles that have a corresponding digital audiobook from the NetLibrary or Overdrive services. These items are described as "electronic resources" in our catalog. You may also search or browse for digital audiobook titles directly from the NetLibrary or OverDrive websites, or from within the NetLibrary Media Center.

What is the NetLibrary Media Center?

The NetLibrary Media Center makes the browsing, downloading, transferring and playing process easier. NetLibrary Media Center is designed to make your digital audiobook downloads fun, easy, and fast.

How do I use it?

Read more information about the NetLibrary Media Center here. The NetLibrary Media Center requires that you install Windows Media Player version 11 on your computer. Click on the "install media center" to begin the installation process. Your computer may block the download, so you may have to click on the yellow bar that appears at the top of your browser and click "download file" to proceed. Click "Run" to download and launch the media center installer. Follow the prompts of the installer. After the installation is complete, you will have to restart your computer to complete the process.

What software do I need to use OverDrive?

To use Overdrive, you also must install the Overdrive Media Console, which is availabe in both Windows and Mac versions.  With OverDrive Media Console for Mac, OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks can now be downloaded and enjoyed on Macs. At the library, staff can assist you with the download station to download and transfer the library's digital material to your portable listening device.

What software do I need to use NetLibrary?

You must have Windows Media Player (version 9 or higher) installed on your computer to use NetLibrary's traditional service. To use the Netlibrary Media Console you must have Windows Media Player version 11.

Once I have NetLibrary Media Center installed, how do I use it?

You can search for digital audiobooks directly from NetLibrary Media Center without having to go to the Netlibrary website first. Login using NetLibrary Media Center. Browse for titles and download them by simply clicking "listen to on my computer" or "transfer to my player" depending on what you want to do. Be sure to have your player plugged into the computer if needed.

What advantages are there to using NetLibrary Media Center?

The one-click download process allows you to find a title you like. Click "download to computer" or "transfer to player," and the Netlibrary Media Center does everything else for you. Enjoy faster access; just open up the Netlibray Media Center to start searching for your next great book. No need to go to the NetLibrary website first. The books start to play as you are downloading them, even before the download is complete. Other features include a customizable interface and a new built-in player with the ability to play the audiobook faster or slower as you listen to it.

Do I have to use NetLibrary Media Center to download audiobooks from NetLibrary?

No, you can still use the traditional method to download your digital audiobooks if you prefer. Watch a screencast demonstration of downloading a digital audiobook from Netlibrary and transferring to a portable media player using the traditional interface

Can I use my iPod with Netlibrary?

Netlibrary has more than 700 titles that are compatible with any MP3 player, including iPods and Zunes. These titles are multiuse titles, meaning that they will always be available - no waiting on hold! Look for the "MP3" logo next to the title to determine whether or not it is in the iPod friendly format. You can also select MP3 as the format when searching to restrict your results to iPod compatible titles.

Can I use my iPod with Overdrive?

Yes, most of the audiobooks offered by Overdrive can be transferred to an iPod. You must have Overdrive Media Console Ver. 3.2 (released June 15, 2009) to do this. Once you have this version of the Overdrive Media Console installed it will convert .WMA files downloaded from Overdrive into an iPod compatible format and transfer them to your iPod. Go to the Kansas State Library Overdrive webpage to search for iPod compatible titles and for more information about the requirements for downloading and using Overdrive Media Console version 3.2.