e-Audiobooks
What’s an eAudiobook?
eAudiobooks, also known as downloadable books, are digital versions of audiobooks that are available for download through the internet. This service has now been made available to library members by Meath County Council Library Service in conjunction with NetLibrary/Clipper Download Service. You can search for, check out and download eAudiobooks to your home computer.
Getting Started
The downloadable audiobooks are free to all Meath County Council Library Service members but each user must start by creating a free NetLibrary Account. First, log on to a library computer, in order to authenticate your credentials as a valid library member. You can log on directly to www.netlibrary.com. or follow the link from the Meath Library homepage on www.meath.ie/library. Click on “Create a New Account” and follow the guidelines until your account has been created.
Important - Keep a record of your username and password. This is confidential between you and NetLibrary. Meath County Council Library staff will not have a record of these details.
Once you are registered you may download to your home computer. Download facilities are not available on library computers.
Searching for an Audiobook
Simply log on to the NetLibrary site to start your search for a list of eAudiobooks available to Meath County Council Library members. Look for “in our collection” and select “eAudiobooks”. A list is returned in alphabetical order by subject e.g. “Classics”. Clicking into any of the links will show what books are available in each category.
Checking Out and Downloading an eAudiobook
To check out and download your books follow the instructions under “Download Options”. There is a choice of 3 options listed:
Option 1: download through Media Centre
Option 2: download through Download Manager.
To use either of these options you must first download the applications to your desktop from the NetLibrary site. . Some updates may be required for your computer so please follow the instructions if prompted.
Both these applications provide one-click transfer to your portable device and help manage your downloaded books. In addition Media Centre provides full desktop search and browse facilities.
Option 3: a Web Based Download which enables downloads directly to your pc without the need to use additional applications. This method also allows transfer to your MP3 player.
Each download choice has a “Learn More” section which gives full details of system requirements for that option.
Download times will depend on the speed of your connection and the length of the eAudiobook. You should allow at least 30 minutes upwards for an average adult novel to download on a broadband connection.
You may check out up to 10 audiobooks for 21 days. There is no waiting list for any title because every book can be checked out by an unlimited number of users at the same time. You may renew your checkout during the initial 21 day loan period. To do this click on my checked out items. Follow the Download this Audiobook link and click on Renew your Checkout
Listening to an eAudiobook
There are 2 ways to listen to your downloaded audiobooks:
1) – eAudiobooks can be played on any desktop or laptop computer that supports Windows Media Player 9 for Windows 2000 or Windows Media Player 10 or higher for use with Windows XP.
2) Once downloaded to your computer desktop eAudiobooks can be transferred to a wide range of portable devices that support playback of secure or protected WMA files. Please visit http://www.oclc.org/audiobooks/techspecs/devices.htm for the latest list of supported players.
How to Find Help
Detailed information on how to use the NetLibrary eAudiobooks Service is available from the extensive HELP Section of the NetLibrary website.
For more information on all the services provided by Meath County Council Library Service visit www.meath.ie/library
