Free Audio Book and Music Downloads Now Available on the West Slope
GRAND JUNCTION, CO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 30, 2006 -- Libraries on the West Slope that are
members of the Marmot Library Network consortium now provide free downloads
of audio books and music. The members have contracted with OverDrive, Inc.,
an Ohio company with over 20 years experience providing digital content
over global networks. Library users can access the new digital collections
at http://marmot.lib.overdrive.com.
Federal Library Services and Technology Act funding and contributions from
the member libraries created a start-up collection of over 1,000 titles.
They may be "checked out" for 14 days and downloaded to personal computers
and laptops, then transferred to compatible listening devices. Many of the
titles may be burned to CD. Registered borrowers can borrow items from the
digital site 24/7 from their homes or offices, or anywhere over the World
Wide Web. At the end of the loan period, the book or music is automatically
"checked in," so there are never any overdue fines or late fees. There is
also no physical disk to lose or damage, so there is never any replacement
cost.
If the borrower wants to listen to a book or music score that someone else
has checked out, they can place a hold on it and be notified by e-mail when
it is available. A portion of the audio book collection is leased, rather
than owned, by the Marmot Library Network consortium, and can be checked
out by an unlimited number of users at the same time. These are primarily
classic works.
Marmot Library Network Executive Director Joel Robinson says: "None of our
member libraries could afford to offer this service on their own. The power
of group purchasing and the start-up Federal funds from the State Library
of Colorado has made it possible. Now library card holders on the West
Slope can use the library without coming to the library buildings."
"Our patrons live and work in rural mountain locations," stated Shelly
Kilgas, Systems Administrator for the Grand County Library District in
Granby, Colorado. "The OverDrive Media Console and our download service
provide our patrons with easy access to best-selling audio books and
classical music," she added.
In the future, the consortium of libraries intends to add videos to their
digital collection.
Contact Information: Media Contacts:
Joel M. Robinson
Executive Director
Marmot Library Network, Inc.
(970) 242-3331 ext. 19
Shannon Mangan
OverDrive, Inc.
Digital Library Reserve
(216) 573-6886 ext. 217