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Feature
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 Digitizing Your Audiobooks
If you've never converted audiobook CDs, you'll find "ripping" is very simple, though it takes a little practice. The software you use allows you to optimize file size and sound quality, to name and organize your files, to play them on the computer, and to transfer them to your portable player. Here's how to rip your audiobooks so your listening is easy and enjoyable.
Read more...
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News
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| A FRESH APPROACH
Two companies that are taking a different tack with formats are well worth watching—and trying out their products.
Audiofy
Audiofy audiobook chips are audiobooks published on tiny memory cards. They work on a variety of listening devices—including PDAs and smartphones, as well as most desk and laptop computers. The Philadelphia-based company is also testing the new “ChipZip!” for iPod players. For information, visit www.audiofy.com.
Playaway
A self-contained audiobook and player combination, Playaway is really thinking outside the box in audiobook listening. The success at airports and travel locations and the very low-tech approach make Playaway intriguing. For information, visit www.playawaydigital.com.
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| AUDIOBOOK EVOLUTION: PLAY AWAY!
The Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center conducted a field test of the new Playaway pre-loaded, self-contained portable digital audiobook devices earlier this year. From December 2005 through March 2006, 50 blind and visually impaired volunteers put the card-sized players through their paces. Overall, the devices proved to be fairly rugged even after repeated use and multiple trips through the mail. Although this test was specifically designed for a talking book program, the results will be of interest to any library that is considering purchasing the Playaway device for circulation. A copy of the report is available here.
Product details are available at www.playawaydigital.com.
And it’s now easier for libraries to purchase Playaway self-playing digital audiobooks, since Follett Library Resources (FLR) and BWI have begun distributing the devices to K-12 schools and public libraries. The standard tools and resources available from BWI and FLR, such as downloading of orders into the library’s automation system, MARC records, and list creators, are available for the Playaway devices. In addition to providing one-stop shopping for all available titles, schools and libraries can combine audiobooks with other materials on one invoice. Additional supplies, such as lanyards and earbud covers, can also be ordered. Jay Blint, Regional Account Manager for BWI, indicates that the devices are circulating so well that Follett and BWI are working with Playaway to develop new titles to meet library and school demand. Visit www.bwibooks.com or www.flr.follett.com for additional information.
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