Have you been wanting to get into downloadable e-audiobooks but you have been intimidated by all the steps required to download and transfer a book to your player?  We have some good news for you!  Our audiobook provider Netlibrary has a new easy to use interface available called the Netlibrary Media Center.  This new interface will condense the e-audiobook download process into just one click!

• What is the Netlibrary Media Center?  
  Netlibrary Media Center is a new product from Netlibrary designed to make your audiobook downloads fun, easy, and fast.
  
• How do I use it?
  Go to the Netlibrary website
  Login in using your username and password (if you don't have a username and password, click on the "create a free account" link at the top of the page.  If you are having problems creating an account, contact the library's reference department at 785-580-4555 and we can assist you)
  You will see a banner at the top of the site that says NEW NETLIBRARY MEDIA CENTER, Easier Faster Audiobook Downloads.  Click on the banner and read the information about the new media center.  Note: The Netlibrary Media Center requires that you have Windows Media Player version 11.
  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 beige 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.
  
• Once I have Netlibrary Media Center installed, how do I use it?
  Once you have the media center installed you can search for e-audiobooks directly from the media center without having to go to the Netlibrary webpage first.  Just look for the Netlibrary Media Center in your list of programs and open it up.  Once you are logged in you can browse for titles and to download them simply click "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 you choose the "transfer to my player" option.
  
• Do I have to use NetLibrary Media Center?
  No, if you prefer using the traditional method to download your audiobooks you still can.
  
• What advantages are there to using NetLibrary Media Center?
  The one click download process--find a title you like, click "download to computer" or "transfer to player", and that's it!  Netlibrary Media Center does everything else for you.
  Faster access--Just open up the Netlibray Media Center to start searching for your next great e-audiobook listen, no need to go to the website first.  The books also 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 manipulate the speed on the audiobook as you listen to it.  That's right--if you are listening to an e-audiobook in Netlibrary Media Center the player has the ability to play the audiobook faster or slower.
  
• Can I use and iPod with Netlibrary?
  Netlibrary has also added over 700 titles that will are compatable 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. 
  
• How do I see what MP3 audiobooks (I-Pod compatible) are available from Netlibrary
  To see what MP3 files are available go the the Netlibrary e-audiobook center search page.  Under the search for e-audiobooks go to the box that says "format" and use the drop down arrow to select "MP3".  Click search to see all the MP3 e-audiobooks available.  You can also add a keyword to your search (such as mystery or romance) to see all the MP3 e-audiobooks available in a particular genre.

If you would like to see the Netlibrary Media Center in action, come to the library on Wednesday, April 15th and from 10 AM-7 PM a representative from Recorded Books/Netlibrary will be here doing a live demo of the service. 
And you can always contact library staff if you need assistance or have additional questions.