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Library Offers Audio Books on iPod shuffle to Patrons

by , 12:15 PM EST, March 3rd, 2005

The South Huntington Public Library on Long Island, New York is one the first libraries in the country to loan out audio books on iPod shuffles, according to Wired News.

Members of the library can currently check out one of 11 books in audio format that the library obtained through the iTunes Music, each of which is on an iPod shuffle. The library ran a pilot program for the last three weeks with six loaner iPod shuffles, and is now expanding the program to 10 units.

"It's the right product with the right price," library director Ken Weil told Wired News. "We said that this is a great way of getting these out to the public."

While it may seem odd to put an audio book (with individual chapters) on a device without a display for users who aren't already comfortable with the interface, library officials told Wired News that patrons have had a good experience with them, including some of its older patrons.

The checkout includes a cassette adapter, as well as an FM transmitter, for listening to the books in a car, and those who check out the units have to use their own headphones for sanitary reasons.

There is more information in the full article at Wired News.

Observer Comments

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Close Name:Mace Posts: 9177 Joined: 07 Aug 2003
Thu Mar 03, 2005 3:27 pm Subject:

Quote
... "I think it's a very clever use of the technology and I never thought about (using iPods for audio books) until I saw the sign at the library," Jacknow said ...
Agree. Kudos to South Huntington Public Library. I am looking forward for this to be implemented in my neighborhood's library.

Perhaps, Apple and Audible should work together to sell iPod shuffle (without earphone and lanyard) with audiobook titles installed. I am also looking forward to some good story telling (something like those when we don't have TV) titles - currently audiobooks are translation of printed books - to be released.

Btw, iPod shuffle can act as a key for us to download a complimentary or for a token sum, audiobook to store in computer as a backup. Alternatively, allow audiobook to be uploaded to a computer for backup. I'm sure Apple and Audible can work that out.


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Close Name:cooner Posts: 30 Joined: 17 Aug 2004
Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:24 pm Subject: Shuffle great for Audiobooks

That's cool.

I've been loading my current audiobook onto the top of my Shuffle, then filling the rest with random Autofill music from my library, and it works well. Play the first track to pick up on the audiobook; switch to Shuffle mode and it sorts through a selection of music.

I still love my 2gen iPod for road trips and vacations, but the Shuffle is so convenient for running around town.


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Close Name:Nom Posts: 58 Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Thu Mar 03, 2005 5:42 pm Subject:

At one file per "chapter", this actually makes sense. There aren't that many chapters in the average book, so it's fairly easy to skip forward until you reach the one you want.

The potential 'gotcha' would be if someone put it into 'shuffle' mode and didn't realise it.


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Close Name:Mace Posts: 9177 Joined: 07 Aug 2003
Thu Mar 03, 2005 7:47 pm Subject:

Quote
Nom wrote:
... The potential 'gotcha' would be if someone put it into 'shuffle' mode and didn't realise it.
Apple may need to slightly modify iPod shuffle to effectively utilize it as an audiobook/podcast player.

I really hope Apple can move in to put some order to the emerging podcasting industry.

Btw, anyone know of a software where we can listen to RSS feeds sensibly in iPod?



Last edited by Mace on Sat Mar 05, 2005 2:45 pm; edited 1 time in total
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