What are eAudiobooks?
eAudiobooks are unabridged audiobooks from NetLibrary and Recorded Books that are available to be downloaded from the Internet. eAudiobooks can be played on desktop or portable computers and any portable device that supports Windows Media Player version 9.0 and above. Once the audiobooks are downloaded to your PC, you can also transfer them to a wide range of portable devices such as music players, pocket PCs and even select smartphone devices.
How can I find out which eAudiobooks are in the library's collection?
You can find information about the Franklin Township Public Library's eAudiobooks collection in the library's online catalog, iBistro, or by logging into your NetLibrary account and searching for your favorite titles. You may check out up to 10 audiobooks at the same time. If you click on links in the Library's catalog, a new browser window will open up with details about downloading that audiobook. You'll need to log into your NetLibrary account first in order to download the audiobook. You may wish to bookmark the NetLibrary home page to access eAudiobooks in the future.
What is the checkout period for audiobooks and can they be renewed?
Netlibrary automatically downloads a license with each downloaded audiobook which lets you access the audiobook for 21 days. The license lets you copy the audiobook to two additional portable listening devices. Audiobooks can be renewed at any point for an additional 21 days of access from the date of renewal by logging into your NetLibrary account
How do I get started?
- Come in to the library to create your free NetLibrary account. Stop by the Reference Desk to ask how.
- Then, from your home desktop or portable PC, go to www.netlibrary.org and log in to your account.
- Search for audiobooks you wish to download.
- Click on the Download This Audiobook link.
- Select a download quality: CD quality (for high speed connections) will allow transfer to your PC and to a portable device. Radio quality (for dial-up connections) will allow transfer to a computer only.
- You will be prompted to open or save the audiobook to your desktop. Save the file on your PC in a directory of your choice.
- After downloading, and before disconnecting from the Internet or logging off your NetLibrary account, open the audiobook in Windows Media Player to acquire the license.
How do I transfer the audiobook to my portable device?
You may use the Windows Media Player to transfer eAudiobooks from your personal computer to a portable audio device. Many portable audio devices will use Windows Media Player 9 for the transfer. The newest devices may require Windows Media Player 10 for the transfer. Check the instruction manual for your device for more information.
To transfer eAudiobooks using Windows Media Player version 9:
- Find your CD Quality downloaded audiobook file and double click it to open it with Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens and will obtain the license from NetLibrary to allow the audiobook file to play.
- Select Copy to CD or Device from the media player's menu options. A list of available titles will be displayed in the Items to Copy frame.
- Select the title you wish to download by clicking on the check box.
- Select a target device from the Items on Device drop-down menu. Click on the copy button to transfer the title. Windows Media Player will transfer the file to your portable device. When the transfer is complete, disconnect your portable device and enjoy your NetLibrary Audiobook. (*Some MP3 players will need to use the Safely Remove Hardware icon (on the taskbar) before removing the USB cable or an error will occur.)
To transfer eAudiobooks using Windows Media Player version 10:
- Find your CD Quality downloaded audiobook file and double click it to open it with Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens and will obtain the license from NetLibrary to allow the audiobook file to play. You may stop playback at this point if you choose.
- Click the 'Library' tab. The media Library will be displayed.
- Find your audiobook in the Library Playlist pane, or sort your list by selecting the 'Now Playing' selection. Drag the audiobook title from the Contents or Details panes in your library to the List pane to add it to the list of items to be synchronized, ensure that your portable device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button in the List pane. Windows Media Player will transfer the file to your portable device.
- When the transfer is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'. You many now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your NetLibrary Audiobook. (*Some MP3 players will need to use the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar before removing the USB cable or an error will occur.)
Which portable devices will work with eAudiobooks from NetLibrary?
Portable devices that support playback of secure or protected wma files will work with the NetLibrary platform. You cannot listen to eAudiobooks on an iPod® or other portable device that does not support playback of secure or protected wma files. To find out more about supported devices click here.
Is it possible to download eAudiobooks in the library?
Audiobooks should only be downloaded to a personal computer. The eAudiobooks service is designed to be used outside the library, for example, from home, work or school. Once you download and open an eAudiobook file on a computer, the license to listen to that file is tied to the computer where you've downloaded the file (or will be transferred to your portable device from that computer).
Where can I find more information about how to use eAudiobooks?
To find additional detailed information on using eAudiobooks, click here and read the information concerning eAudiobooks (but not eContent). If you need more help, please call the Library's Reference Desk at 732-873-8700, Ext. 3.
