Online Resource of the Month
June - August 2008
Each month, the Library features one of its online premium resources, paid for by the San Diego Public Library,
and available at the locations indicated.
San Diego Public Library's eAudiobook Collection
... part of our new SDPL Digital Media Library
Select the above graphic image to connect directly to our eAudiobook Collection.
Listen to audiobooks on your computer, using your digital audio device, or by burning CDs. Not all publishers allow burning to CD. Look for "burn to CD allowed" when viewing the details page of a title you wish to checkout.
The San Diego Public Library offers patrons and users eAudiobooks from OverDrive. This Online Resource of the Month (OROM) document provides a brief introduction on how to access, download, and enjoy eAudiobooks. The eAudiobook Collection is part of our new SDPL Digital Media Library. Future options under consideration for the digital media library include downloadable video, eBooks, and music.
Access to OverDrive eAudiobooks
Figure 1: Screen Image, SDPL Digital Media Library, eAudioBook Collection
Browse, reserve, and checkout our eAudiobooks from any Internet-connected computer - including some in our libraries.
In order to download an eAudiobook to your home PC or portable device, you will need a valid Library card and PIN. In addition, you will need to install the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) software. The OMC software will manage the eAudiobooks you download.
We have special Download Stations at the Central Library and Carmel Valley library locations. You can bring your MP3 player in to these locations and download eAudiobooks.
Good News for Macintosh, iPod, and iPhone users
At this time, the OverDrive software and downloads are not directly accessible for Apple users. The audio files currently do not work on iPods or iPhones. Sometime in the summer of 2008, a new MP3 format version of some publisher eAudiobooks will be available. Also, a Macintosh version of the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) software will be available this summer. The Library plans to purchase titles in the new MP3 format, when they become available.
eAudiobook Guided Tour
If you are new to eAudiobooks and our collection, please take a minute to view the Download Digital Media Guided Tour. This self-guided tour covers eAudiobook Collection basics. You can also try the Quick Start Guide to get started. If you have any questions about the service after you view the tutorial, ask a Library staff member or contact support for more assistance.
A Quick Look at eAudiobook Collection Features
- The checkout period is 21 days.
- Maximum number of items checked out at one time is 4.
- eAudiobook downloads are allowed from home or from designated download stations.
- The files offer CD sound quality.
- Allows transfer to supported portable devices (MP3 player, etc.).
- Does not work with iPods, iPhone, or Macintosh computers at this time; coming soon (summer 2008).
- Allows burning to CD for select titles. Approximately 80% of titles allow burning. This is determined by the publisher.
- Patrons are able to place reserves on titles that are checked out.
- There are no renewals. eAudiobooks cannot be checked in early. This is determined by the publishers.
- Titles are automatically checked in.
- Titles may be downloaded by chapter or part.
Is my device compatible?
Check out the OverDrive Compatible Device listing and information on their site. Included there are tools and information that allow you to determine which devices OverDrive has found to be compatible, or incompatible, with the OverDrive Media Console and OverDrive Media content. The links below will also answer questions about transferring media from your computer to your device.
How do I find eAudiobooks?
All eAudiobooks are listed in our Library Catalog, you can search for your favorite title, author, subject, or keywords. Here is a search link that links to all the eAudiobooks in our collection. You can also browse the various collections directly on the eAudiobook Collection site.
Searching for eAudiobooks
Our eAudiobook Collection site has a quick search on the right-hand side of the page. Here you can search by all fields, title, subject, creator, or ISBN. Under Advanced Search, you can also limit to languages, publishers, and specific dates.
Want to suggest an eAudiobook title for our Collection?
Please e-mail our selection librarians at artmusic@sandiego.gov if you wish to suggest a title for our eAudiobook Collection.
Need more help with eAudiobooks?
For specialized help in using our eAudiobook Collection, please access the Help instructions.
Free eAudiobooks
If you are unable to use the eAudioBook collection, below are a few websites that provide DRM free audio books.
If you need further help, please contact Library staff at any library location, or use support online by using the eAudiobook Support service, provided by OverDrive.
Currency:
Coverage:
Vendor: |
Updated with new titles regularly
Fiction and non-fiction
OverDrive.com
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