I was doing some research for a post I’ve been working about libraries and the internet, when I discovered that the audiobook download site that the Multnomah County library system uses now supports transferring to iPods and iPhones.
What this means is, if you have a Multnomah County library card and an iPod or iPhone, you can now download audiobooks to them for free for up to 14 days. After that it appears that the file is removed from your computer. It works like the physical library does, they don’t always carry everything you would like, and they have a limited number of people that can use the material at one time.
I went thru the many steps that are required to try it out, including downloading the above application, and it does in fact work, but it’s not easy. For instance, if you’re using an iPhone and a Mac like me, you can only choose files that indicate compatibility with both devices. If the book only lists compatibility with iPods but doesn’t mention Macs you are out of luck.
Aside from it’s problems, it’s an exciting step in the right direction for libraries, and one I’m glad to see my local library taking.
