e-audio: audiobooks downloaded to an MP3 player for you

New titles, new MP3 players

Richmond has been running an "e-audio" service as a pilot project for some time. That pilot has now ended, but we have switched to our NetLibrary downloadable eAudiobooks catalogue so we can continue to provide a similar service. This gives us access to a new set of over 600 eAudiobooks; all titles are unabridged, all are available in CD quality and we have new, higher capacity MP3 players to accommodate them.

We have stated our intention to begin charging for NetLibrary eAudiobooks in 2007. The start date is currently being reviewed.

How does the service work?

Choose a title from our collection of NetLibrary eAudiobooks and we will download it for you onto a library owned MP3 player. The player will be sent to the Richmond branch of your choice and you can borrow it on your library card as normal.

You do not need to own a NetLibrary compatible MP3 player nor a broadband connected PC to use this service. If you do, you will probably prefer to use our downloadable eAudiobooks service which allows you to download titles yourself, at home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To use our e-audio service, follow these steps:

1. Go to the NetLibrary website via our Online Resources page. You will need to login with your Richmond borough library card number and 4 digit PIN. (If you don't know your PIN, please ask at any Richmond Library).
2. On NetLibrary Search for a title or choose eAudiobook Center and Browse by Subject. (Using the eAudiobook Center is recommended as it excludes "eBooks" which are printed books read on a computer screen).
3. As an alternative to using NetLibrary you can download this pdf file listing the titles by genre(pdf, 193KB). (Note: more information is available on NetLibrary, including a preview recording of each title).
4. Having selected an eAudiobook, send an e-audio title request, using this form.
5. As all the titles are unabridged, you are limited to a single title per request.
6. We will deliver the MP3 player with your title downloaded onto it to your local library. This normally takes a few days. (We have a limited number of players and, if necessary, priority will be given to visually impaired or housebound users). You will be notified by e-mail when the player is sent to your local branch. The player will be delivered with any accessories you requested and will be issued to your card as a single item for three weeks.
7. When you put your order through we will deliver the service to you assuming that you have read and agreed to the Conditions of Service.

More information on audiobooks

For more information see the e-audio frequently asked questions section or contact reference.services@richmond.gov.uk.