Thousands of libraries worldwide use OverDrive’s digital download platform to provide library members access to audiobooks, eBooks, video, and music. Patrons do not have to go to the library to check out materials available on-line. From the comfort of home, they simply point their browsers to their library’s OverDrive page and logon with their library card account.
The interface provides a searchable database from which the user can select available items to check out. (Even though these are digital downloads, there is a limit placed on the number of copies used at the same time.) If the desired title isn’t available, users can place a hold, which will program the system to send an e-mail alert, when the item is accessible. Checked out items are stored in the OverDrive console installed on the member’s computer and expire automatically, when the lending period has ceased. Users may only check out a maximum number of titles at the same time, as explained on their library’s site.
All the items are downloaded to the member’s computer and, depending on the restrictions noted, audio may be burned to a CD or transferred to an MP3 player. The ability to transfer to an MP3 player makes these items portable and saves money on burning CDs. Generally, users are not allowed to share these items and they are certainly not allowed to distribute them in any manner that would violate the copyright.
This service is very convenient and easy to use. Before members commit to checking out an audio or video item, they can sample a brief part and skip a title, if it doesn’t appeal to them. In this way, the library comes to the patron who gains access to a myriad of audiobooks, eBooks, music, and video for free.
To find out if your library provides OverDrive digital downloads, visit the OverDrive site and perform a search, or visit your library’s site. You must be a member of your library with an account you can use on-line. If you do not possess a library card, you may be able to apply for one on-line for free. Some libraries provide electronic accounts instantly, while others may mail your card to you, or you will have to apply in person at your library.
Space exploration reached a new milestone this month with the New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. The probe, which was launched in 2006, is now halfway to the dwarf planet Pluto and is expected to arrive there in 2015. Once it has collected data from Pluto, it will move on to the Kuiper Belt and study objects that are believed to be remnants of the formation of our solar system. To learn more about the mission, follow the links below.
Here are two more engaging and illuminating audio book narrations by actor Derek Jacobi. He leads us through the gargantuan histories of both the Theatre and English Literature, while other notable actors lend their voices to make the text come alive. These works act as worthy introductions to both topics and as good refresher courses. To find out if your library offers these, visit the links below:
The History of Theatre
by David Timson
Narrated by Derek Jacobi
Naxos AudioBooks, 2000
about 5 hr 9 min
If you’re interested in some Roman history, you may enjoy the audiobook of Lives of the Twelve Caesars written by Suetonius(circa 69-after 122 CE). Published in 2005 by Naxos AudioBooks, the work is narrated by actor Derek Jacobi whose reading style is clear, well-paced, and engaging. The audio is abridged and runs approximately seven hours and thirteen minutes. Find out if your local library has the CDs, or a digital copy available for download. If you prefer to read the work, Project Gutenberg has a copy.
