Downloadable eAudiobooks
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find eAudiobooks?
You can find eAudiobooks by clicking on the “Search Downloadable eAudiobooks” button on the Bethlehem Area Public Library homepage. You will then be taken to a screen to enter your library barcode. This will take you to the NetLibrary site where you need to click on “Create a free account” . Fill out the form and then you are ready to start downloading audiobooks.
Do I need any software on my computer to listen to eAudiobooks?
eAudiobooks can be downloaded or played on any personal computer or portable listening device that supports Microsoft Windows Media Player v9 and above, Musicmatch Jukebox v8.2 and above, or Nullsoft Winamp v5 and above.
Why doesn't the eAudiobook download, even though I get an acquiring license message?
If you have an older Windows Media Player version the download appears to be working. Windows Media Player shows "acquiring license," but eventually you get a message that you don't have a license to play the audiobook. You need to download a newer version of Windows Media Player .
Can I play eAudiobooks on portable listening devices?
Yes, eAudiobooks are compatible with a wide range of portable devices that support the WMA-DRM file format, including portable music players, portable media centers, Pocket PCs, and even select smartphone devices.
Note that a device labeled PlaysForSure compliant does NOT guarantee that eAudiobook files will play. The device also MUST support WMA-DRM protected media.
See Supported Portable Listening Devices for additional information.
Can I download and play an eAudiobook on an iPod?
No, NetLibrary eAudiobooks cannot be played on iPods. iPods use a proprietary .aac file format that does not support Digital Rights Management protection required by NetLibrary eAudiobooks. Digital Rights Management protection helps ensure that the content of our publishing partners is secure, especially when items are checked out from the library's collection and borrowed by a user rather than purchased. This Digital Rights Management technology allows checked out items to expire on the due date.
Can I download eAudiobooks to public computers at the library?
No.
Can I download and play an eAudiobook on a Mac?
No, not at this time.
How do I transfer an eAudiobook to my portable device using Windows Media Player version 9?
Follow these easy steps:
(1) Find your CD Quality downloaded eAudiobook file and double click it to open it with Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens and will obtain the license from NetLibrary to allow the eAudiobook file to play.
(2) Select Copy to CD or Device from the media player's menu options. A list of available titles will be displayed in the Items to Copy frame.
(3) Select the title you wish to download by clicking on the check box.
(4) Select a target device from the Items on Device drop-down menu. Click on the copy button to transfer the title.
(5) Windows Media Player will transfer the file to your portable device. When the transfer is complete, disconnect your portable device and enjoy your NetLibrary eAudiobook.
* Some MP3 players will need to use the Safely Remove Hardware icon (on the taskbar) before removing the USB cable or an error will occur.
How do I transfer an eAudiobook to my portable device using Windows Media Player version 10?
Once again, follow a few easy steps:
(1) Find your CD Quality downloaded eAudiobook file and double click it to open it with Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens and will obtain the license from NetLibrary to allow the eAudiobook file to play.
(2) You may stop playback at this point if you choose. Click the 'Library' tab. The media Library will be displayed.
(3) Find your audiobook in the Library Playlist pane, or sort your list by selecting the 'Now Playing' selection.
(4) Drag the eAudiobook title from the Contents or Details panes in your library to the List pane to add it to the list of items to be synchronized, ensure that your portable device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button in the List pane. Windows Media Player will transfer the file to your portable device.
(5) When the transfer is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'. You many now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your NetLibrary eAudiobook.
*Some MP3 players will need to use the Safely Remove Hardware icon (on the taskbar) before removing the USB cable or an error will occur.
Note: This information and more can be found in the Window Media Player v10 Help Contents under: Synchronizing content to devices > Synchronizing media items to your device > To synchronize content manually.
How many eAudiobooks can I check out simultaneously?
You can checkout a maximum of ten (10) eAudiobooks at any given time. You will not be able to check out additional titles until the license for a currently downloaded eAudiobook expires.
What is the checkout period for eAudiobooks?
NetLibrary automatically downloads a license, with each download, which lets you access the audiobook for 21 days. The license lets you copy the eAudiobook to two additional portable listening devices.
Can I renew eAudiobooks without downloading the file a second time?
Yes. eAudiobooks can be renewed at any point by logging into your account. A renewal provides you with an additional 21 days of access from the date of renewal.
What does a "You need a license" message mean?
You may have downloaded a new version of Windows Media Player and need to re-sync with the portable listening devices. Contact your computer or portable listening device manufacturer for specific information.
Why won't the eAudiobook play on my portable audio device. It played alright yesterday? .
The checkout period for the eAudiobook may have expired. Login to the NetLibrary web site, and click on the My Checked Out items link in the upper right-hand navigation, to see if the eAudiobook checkout period has expired.
Do I need to return eAudiobooks when the checkout period expires?
No. The license for downloaded eAudiobooks automatically expires after 21 days. You will not be able to play the eAudiobook, even though the file remains on your personal computer and portable listening device. You need to manually delete the file from your personal computer and portable listening device.
Can I burn an eAudiobook to a CD?
Yes and no: you can but embeded encryptions will make it completely unusable.
Do I have to wait for the file to download before I can listen to an eAudiobook?
Yes. We highly recommend that you do not play the file while it is downloading. The download will take longer and may not download correctly.
Once you select a download option, you are prompted to Open or Save the eAudiobook file:
(1) If you select the Save option, you can specify where the file is placed on your personal computer. This option takes less time to download the file, since it is only downloading the file. Note: NetLibrary highly recommends this option.
(2) If you select the Open option, NetLibrary launches Windows Media Player and begins streaming the audio as the file downloads. Once the download is completed, the file is saved to your media player's download directory. This option downloads the file slower than the Save option, since it is playing at the same time it is downloading the file. You can stop the download at any time, change the download preferences, and restart the download.
What level of audio quality can I expect from an eAudiobook?
NetLibrary offers two audio qualities: CD quality and radio quality. CD quality offers high-fidelity playback for patrons with high-speed Internet access. Most portable listening devices do not support the playback of files lower than 32 kpbs, so you must download the CD quality file if you are going to transfer and listen to the eAudiobook on a portable listening device. Radio quality provides faster download speed and is ideal for patrons with dial-up connections.
Will eAudiobook files automatically disappear from my computer or portable audio device when the checkout period expires?
No. You need to manually delete the eAudiobook file from your personal computer and portable audio device. However, if you want to renew the eAudiobook, click on the file to automatically open the NetLibrary web site (if your computer is online). You can login to your account and renew the checkout.
How long does it take to download a NetLibrary eAudiobook?
Download time depends on the size of the audio file and the speed of your Internet connection. See eAudiobook Estimated Download Times.
How do I listen to an eAudiobook in the car?
You will need a radio transmitter or other device adapter that works with your portable listening device and car stereo. Most stores that carry electronics sell these devices starting at less than $20.
How do I know which version of Windows Media Player I have installed?
There are a couple of easy ways you can determine which version of Windows Media Player you have installed:
(1) Open Windows Media Player and press the F1 key to display version information.
(2) Open Windows Media Player and press the Alt key to add the standard windows menu (File, Edit, etc.) on top. Then click on Help > About Windows Media Player and the version will be displayed.
What if my download does not complete successfully?
If you have dial-up you might experience dropped connections for long downloads. A "download manager" application is generally loaded on all personal computers running Microsoft XP to address connection drops. You need to reinstate the connection, log back into NetLibrary, redo your search for the eAudiobook, and select Save when prompted to "open" or "save." The download manager picks up saving the eAudiobook file where it left off. Additionally, some portable listening devices have their own built-in download manager.
I can't find "Author" or "Book Title" mentioned in my Media Player? How do I find, play, and transfer my eAudiobook file?
Some media players and portable audio devices are music oriented, so you need to be creative when trying to find your eAudiobook file. Try looking under Album title for your eAudiobook title or under Artist when looking for the Author.