Norfolk Public Library Launches On-the-Go Service for Downloadable Audio Books
Norfolk Library patrons can now download popular titles to Smart Phones, PDAs and PCs! The Norfolk Public Library, through its membership in the SAILS Library Network today launched an online digital library that offers patrons immediate access to e-Book and Audio book titles. SAILS is the first library network in Massachusetts to offer OverDrive Audio Books in Microsoft Windows Media Audio format. Norfolk residents can now download, listen and enjoy unabridged spoken word audio on their PCs, laptops, PDAs and many inexpensive MP3 players.
The online collection serves residents from 38 participating public libraries, and is available at SAIL page or library.virtualnorfolk.org. Digital audio books and bestsellers are the next step in library services. The number of people using portable devices like Smart Phones and PDAs is growing exponentially -- and now our library is here to serve them.
The portable digital format of e-Books and Audio books offers countless advantages for business travelers and students. It's a valuable tool for those learning to read and gives the visually impaired even greater access to materials. Users also find the fact that there is no need to return items extremely convenient; when the loan period is over the file expires and the materials are automatically checked back in.
Access couldn't be easier. Using existing library cards, library users can checkout and download a variety of popular fiction, self-help, business and reference titles and read them on their phones, Pocket PCs or listen to them on their MP3 players. It's an incredible new service, all library patrons are invited to try it out! (And if you're not a library patron, all you have to do is stop by Kids Library at Town Hall or the Temporary Library on Rt. 1A, register for a free card and you too can enjoy this new service.)
Similar digital libraries are now in use by other library systems like Seattle's King County Library System and the San Jose Public Library. OverDrive, Inc., a leading worldwide digital media vendor, developed the technology and supplies e-Book and audio titles to SAILS' new digital library. SAILS is a consortium of libraries in Southeastern Massachusetts developed to improve services for all its member libraries.
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