NetLibrary Audiobooks Frequently Asked Questions

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What are NetLibrary eAudiobooks?

NetLibrary eAudiobooks are digital versions of audiobooks that can be downloaded and played on computers or portable devices that support Windows Media Player (WMA) 9.0 or above and MP3s. You can transfer titles to a wide range of portable devices, including portable music players, portable media centers, Pocket PCs and some smartphone devices. NetLibrary eAudiobooks do work on iPods or Macintosh computers by using the MP3 format.
Find supported portable devices.

How can I find NetLibrary eAudiobooks?

You can search for NetLibrary eAudiobooks on the NetLibrary Web site or in our Library Catalog.

To search on the NetLibrary Web site type in keywords, a title or an author in the Basic Search box that appears on every NetLibrary page. Or click on the Advanced Search tab located in the top navigation. Advanced search allows you to use to the drop down menu to select search parameters (Title, Author, Full Text, Subject, or ISBN). You can also use Boolean operators.

Tip: While searching for eAudiobooks on the NetLibrary Web site you may find NetLibrary eBooks. You can limit your search to audiobooks at the top of the search results page.

To search for NetLibrary eAudiobooks in our Library Catalog enter your search terms and limit to “Spoken eBook” in the Material Type menu.

Do I need a NetLibrary account to use eAudiobooks?

You can search for eAudiobooks and listen to previews without an account. In order to download audiobooks you will need a NetLibrary account. If you do not already have a NetLibrary account, you can create one by following the instructions below.

How can I create a NetLibrary account?

  1. Navigate to the NetLibrary home page from our Web page.
  2. Create an account by using the 14 digit code on the back of your library card and your pin number.  (Instructions are provided)
  3. Select the submit button.

How can I check out and download a NetLibrary eAudiobook?

  1. Click on Download this Audiobook.
  2. Select the quality of the audiobook you want to download. You are prompted to login if you have not logged in already.
    • CD quality offers high-fidelity playback for patrons with high-speed Internet access. (Required for transfer to portable devices.)
    • Radio quality provides faster download speeds and is ideal for patrons with dial-up connections, but will not play on portable devices.
    • NOTE: Depending on how you play other media files, the window's media bar might open and begin playing the audiobook file. We highly recommend that you do not play the file while it is downloading. The download will take longer and may not download correctly.
  3. Specify how you want to download the file:
    • Save the file on your personal computer in a directory of your choice. Note: NetLibrary highly recommends this option.
    • Open the file on your personal computer in a Temporary directory. It can be difficult to find the files using this method.
  4. Locate and open the files the same way you would any other file. Note: You MUST open the file before disconnecting your Internet connection or you will be prompted to log in the first time you attempt to open the file.

How many eAudiobooks can I check out at one time?

You can check out 10 eAudiobooks at one time.

For how long can I check out a NetLibrary eAudiobook?

You can check out a NetLibrary eAudiobook for 21 days, after which the file will "time out." The file will still be on your computer or portable device, but it will not be playable.

How do I return NetLibrary eAudiobooks?

NetLibrary eAudiobooks are automatically returned to the Library when your 21 day license expires. You can not return them early. You will never have to pay late fees on NetLibrary eAudiobooks. 

Can I renew a NetLibrary eAudiobook?

After it times out, the title can be renewed once from the NetLibrary Web site without having to download the file again. Click on the Renew your checkout for 21 Days link from the eAudiobook’s download page to be issued a new license.

Can I place a NetLibrary eAudiobook on hold?

No holds are necessary because NetLibrary eAudiobooks are always available.

How long will it take to download a NetLibrary eAudiobook title?

Listeners have a choice of radio quality sound or CD quality sound. With broadband a 9-hour book takes approximately 10 minutes to download CD quality or 4 minutes for radio quality. With dial-up, a 12-hour book takes approximately 8 hours to download CD quality or half-hour for radio quality. Only CD quality can be transferred to a portable device.

Can I download and listen to NetLibrary eAudiobooks on Library computers?

No. You cannot download or listen to NetLibrary eAudiobooks on any of the Library's computers.

What devices are compatible with NetLibrary eAudiobooks?

A list of compatible devices may be found at the following Web address: http://support.oclc.org/Resolutions/TestedPlayers.pdf

For more information about supported devices please visit the following Web address: http://www.netlibrary.com/Help/DisplayTopic.aspx?Name=Listening/SupportedPortableListeningDevices

Can I download eAudiobooks onto Apple products?

eAudiobooks in MP3 format can be played on iPods. You can download and play an eAudiobook in MP3 format on an iPod if you use NetLibrary’s Media Center software. Although the NetLibrary website does not support eAudiobook downloads to an iPod, you can manually download an eAudiobook in MP3 format from the website and play it on an iPod using iTunes. To learn more about audiobooks compatible with Apple devices, go to the Help page for iPod Users.

Can I listen to a NetLibrary eAudiobook in my car?

Yes, eAudiobooks loaded on MP3 players can be played on car radios using a separate Radio Frequency FM transmitter device, a cassette adaptor, or through a car’s existing MP3 jack.

Can I burn a NetLibrary eAudiobook to a CD?

No. If you copy a NetLibrary audiobook to a CD it will not play.

Where can I get additional information on using NetLibrary eAudiobooks?

Detailed information on using NetLibrary eAudiobooks is available by clicking on the Audiobooks Center tips link in the Audiobooks Center. Context-sensitive help is also available by clicking on the tips links located on NetLibrary search, details and download pages. For additional assistance, please contact your librarian.

Begin searching for eAudiobooks at NetLibrary