The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
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December 2009

Digital Material · Frequently-Asked-Questions About NetLibrary Recorded Books

NetLibrary

Our NetLibrary collection offers you access to hundreds of unabridged nonfiction and fiction e-audiobooks.

What are e-Audiobooks?

They’re digital versions of audiobooks that can be downloaded to computers and then transferred to portable listening devices that support Windows Media Player (WMA) 9.0 and higher. Once you’ve done that, you can listen to the audio books without being connected to the Internet.

How do I get started?

It’s easy! Step-by-step directions for working with the audiobooks books are available on the NetLibrary Recorded Books website. A good starting point is the “Help” link in the upper right-hand corner the NetLibrary homepage. There, you’ll find search tips, instructions for downloading and listening to audiobooks, links to online demos, and information about working with your account.

Do I need a NetLibrary account to listen to or download them?

You don’t need an account to listen to previews of the audiobooks; however, you will need an account to download them. To create an account, click on the “Create a Free Account” link in the upper right-hand corner of NetLibrary’s homepage.

What happens if I don't see the “Create a Free Account” link?

Your computer may have anti-virus or firewall software which blocks our authentication process. Many firewall packages (such as Norton Internet Security, for example) block referring webpages. This results in missing graphics or content. To get around this problem, you will need to create a rule that permits referrer information:

  1. Open Norton Internet Security or Norton Personal Firewall
  2. Do one of the following:
    • In Norton Internet Security or Norton Personal Firewall 2003: Click Options > Internet Security, and then click the Web Content tab
    • In Norton Internet Security or Norton Personal Firewall 2004 or newer: Double-click Privacy Control, and then click Advanced
  3. In the bottom of the Advanced window, click Add Site
  4. In the New Site/Domain box, type the name of the site that you want to receive the referrer information (www.netlibrary.com), and click OK. The site name appears in the left frame of the Options window
  5. Click the name of the new site (www.netlibrary.com)
  6. On the Global Settings tab, under the Information about visited sites section, uncheck Use default settings
  7. Click Permit
  8. Click OK to close the Options window

What kind of titles are available?

You’ll find a wide range of unabridged bestsellers, bookclub favorites, classics, fiction, and nonfiction from popular authors and well-known publishers. Titles from the Pimsleur Language Instruction series are also available.

How many digital books can be checked out at one time?

Up to 10 titles. Once you’ve reached this limit, you will not be able to check out any additional titles until the license for a downloaded book has expired.

How long can I keep each title?

The loan period is 21 days.

Can I renew audiobooks?

Yes, titles can be renewed (downloaded again) when your checkout “expires.”

Once the book is due, how do I return it?

It isn’t necessary for you to return digital books. On the due date, the license expires and the title is automatically returned. The digital file will remain on your computer, MP3 player, etc. but it will no longer be readable.

Can I accumulate overdue fines?

Because the titles are automatically returned, you will never be charged overdue fees.

Can I burn a NetLibrary title to a CD?

No. NetLibrary does not allow copies of their files to be burned to CD.

Can I place a hold?

With the exception of a small collection of “single use” titles (including the Pimsleur Language Instruction series), most NetLibrary audiobooks are always available so it isn’t necessary to place holds on them. When a “single use” title is checked out to another customer, you will need to place a hold on the book. When it becomes available, you will be notified by email that it’s ready to be downloaded/checked out.

What devices are compatible with NetLibrary audiobooks?

NetLibrary’s audiobooks can be listened to on a wide range of portable listening devices, including MP3 players, iPhones, and iPods. More information about compatible devices is available on here.

What happens if I have a question/problem working with the NetLibrary audiobooks?

Extensive help pages are available on their website. Or you can use NetLibrary’s Contact Us form.