Downloadable Audiobooks
Getting Started - Create a NetLibrary Account
To use Downloadable Audiobooks you must first register from a computer in the library, or in some instances you can register from home. Call the Reference Desk at 817-685-1489 for assistance. Staff at the Reference desk will be happy to help you get started. Once you are registered you can access the downloadable audiobooks from any computer at any location outside of the library at www.netlibrary.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Media Center?
Media Center is software that when downloaded to the user's personal computer is used to support ease of searching and browsing of eAudiobooks, as well as downloading and checking out of eAudiobooks.
Do I have to use the Media Center to download eAudiobooks?
No. It is your choice to use the Media Center on your PC or to download directly from the website.
Do I need any software on my computer to listen to eAudiobooks?
Yes. See Software Requirements, Compatible Portable Listening Devices, and Windows Media Player at NetLibrary. For the Media Center you will need the Media Center application. Information on this is also available at the website.
Can I play eAudiobooks on portable listening devices?
Yes. If you want to listen to any eAudiobook regardless of format, you need a portable device that can play protected WMA files and MP3 files.
This list of tested players shows portable devices that are compatible with eAudiobooks. Our list of players is not comprehensive but it provides examples of portable devices and functionality that might be of interest. The devices on the list can play protected WMA and MP3 files.
To have an optimal experience when listening to an eAudiobook, we recommend that you select devices that support features such as bookmarking and full time stamping. Devices must have a storage capacity of at least 256 MB, since the average CD quality eAudiobook file size is 140 MB.
How many eAudiobooks can I check out simultaneously?
You can download up to ten eAudiobook items. Once you have reached the checkout limit, you cannot download additional eAudiobook items until a currently downloaded eAudiobook automatically expires. An eAudiobook item automatically returns to your library when the checkout period expires and you can no longer access the item from your personal computer or portable listening device.
What is the checkout period for eAudiobooks?
The checkout period for your eAudiobook is three weeks. You cannot check in eAudiobooks before the checkout period expires. The eAudiobook item automatically returns to your affiliated library at the end of the checkout period.
Can I renew eAudiobooks without downloading the file a second time?
You can renew the eAudiobook file any time during the original checkout period to extend your access to the eAudiobook title as long as the title is not on hold. You must be logged in to your account to renew. You cannot renew after the book has expired, but you can download it again as long as the title is not on hold.
Do I need to return eAudiobooks when the checkout period expires?
No, your eAudiobook automatically expires, but you do need to manually delete the file from your personal computer and portable listening device.
How do I delete an eAudiobook from my personal computer or portable listening device?
You can delete an eAudiobook file from your personal computer or portable listening device in the same manner as you delete other files.
Can I download and play an eAudiobook on an iPod?
You can download and play some eAudiobooks on an iPod, depending on the format of the audio file. Each eAudiobook is available in one of the two formats: MP3 format or protected WMA format. Most MP3 players can play titles in either format.
- MP3 format. Media Center allows MP3 files to be downloaded directly to your iPod or MP3 player and played with a single click. The manual alternative is to use the NetLibrary website to download the eAudiobook and relocate the file to the iPod yourself.
- Protected WMA format. You cannot play an eAudiobook in protected WMA format on an iPod because iPods are not compatible with this format. Most other players will work with the protected WMA format.
How do I find eAudiobooks that will play on my iPod?
When you search for eAudiobooks, you can limit your search to eAudiobooks in MP3 format. Only eAudiobooks that are in MP3 format can be listened to on your iPod.
Find more help at NetLibrary.
