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DOWNLOAD NETLIBRARY AUDIOBOOKS
Introduction
Accounts
Logging in
Searching
Checkout
Renewing
Portable devices
More help
What are Downloadable Audiobooks?
Downloadable Audiobooks are digital versions of audiobooks that are available through the Internet. Audiobooks can be played on any desktop or portable device supporting Windows Media Player version 9.0 and above. You can also transfer your favorite titles to a wide range of portable devices, including portable music players, portable media centers, Pocket PCs, and even select smartphone devices. Please note the Apple iPod is not supported and Audiobooks are not compatible with Macintosh computers at this time.
Creating an Account
You can search and browse for audiobooks and listen to previews without an account. However, to download and listen to audiobooks, you must first create a free NetLibrary account. (You'll be prompted to do so when you try to check out an audiobook.)
From a computer inside the library:
- Go to www.netlibrary.com and use the create a free account link.
- Enter your identifying information (user name, password, email address).
- Select the "Submit" button.
From a computer outside the library:
Click on the link for the Library where you got your card and follow the instructions from NetLibrary.
Lompoc Public Library
Santa Barbara Public Library
Santa Maria Public Library
San Luis Obispo City-County Library
Santa Paula Public Library
Paso Robles Public Library
Logging in
Once you have created an account, you can log in from any computer with Internet access.
- Go to www.netlibrary.com and enter your user name and password in the log in box.
- Click the red "Log in" button.
- You now have access to all audiobooks available in the librarys collection.
Searching for an Audiobook
You can search for audiobooks using the Black Gold catalog as you would any other library item. Or you can use either Basic Search and Advanced Search at NetLibrary's website. The Audiobooks Center, available by clicking on the Audiobooks Center link on the NetLibrary home page, allows you to limit searches to audiobook content and browse featured titles.
Checking out an Audiobook
The default checkout period for a Downloadable Audiobook is three weeks. You may check out a maximum of ten audiobook titles at one time. Please do not download audiobooks to public computers in your library.
- From search results, click on the Download this Audiobook link to Open or Save the audiobook file.
- Select a download option: CD quality, or radio quality. Radio quality provides faster download speed and is ideal for users with dial-up connections; CD quality offers highfidelity playback for patrons with high-speed Internet access. If you will be listening to the audiobook on an MP3 player, you must download the CD quality version.
- If you select Open, NetLibrary will download the title and launch your media player. Click the play button to listen to the Audiobook. The Save option allows you to download the file to a directory of your choosing. Once the download is complete, you can open the audiobook directly from your media player, or by using Windows Explorer.
Audiobooks do not need to be returned; the license will expire in 21 days unless it is renewed.
Renewing an Audiobook
Once an audiobook has been downloaded, it can be renewed at any time.
- Go to www.netlibrary.com and enter your user name and password in the log in box.
- Click on the "My checked out Items" link.
- Click on Renew this Audiobook
If you are attempting to access an audiobook with an expired license from your media player, a pop-up browser will prompt you to log in to renew your checkout.
- Enter your user name and password.
- Click the log in button.
- Your license will automatically be renewed.
- Click play to listen to the audiobook.
Portable Devices
You can use your media player to transfer a downloaded audiobook to portable devices that support secure WMA format. A license is automatically transferred to your portable device, which will allow you to access the audiobook for up to three weeks from the date of original checkout. Please refer to your media players help section for additional information.
More information on supported portable devices.
More help
Audiobook frequently asked questions are answered at:
http://www.netlibrary.com/Help/Default.aspx?Page=FAQ#AudiobooksFAQs
For additional assistance, contact your librarian.
EMAIL NOTICES
Hold and overdue notices from the library can be received via email. They're sent every day, the fastest way of being notified of when your item is ready for pickup. Titles are listed on the notice. There is a web link on hold pickup notices to check the current status of your record.
Please contact your local library with your email address.
After you have signed up for email notifications:
- Make sure that blackgold.org is listed in your addressbook or is on your "safe" list. This enables our notices to safely pass through the filtering systems. You should be able to do this through your email provider (AOL, Earthlink, Netzero, Yahoo, Hotmail). You must be logged into your account to add blackgold.org. Library staff cannot do this for you.
- Be sure to notify the library if your email address changes!
PLACE REQUESTS IN THE LIBRARY SYSTEM
This must be done for each search result -- checked items will be "stored" in your personal list for the immediate session only and will not be saved!
To place a request on a single or multiple items:
- Complete a search
- When you find the item(s) you would like from the search, check the box next to the item(s)
- In the "Personal List" menu on the left, click on "add checked records from this page to a list"
- Perform as many searches as you want, each time adding your checked items to your "personal list" -- this list is saved for this session only and is NOT stored
- After you have added all your items to your list and are ready to place your holds (or if you just want to find out what items you have on your list) on the left hand menu click "View my Personal List"
- If you would like to place holds on ALL items on your list them click on "place holds on all records on this page"
- If you only want to place holds on SOME of the records click on the boxes next to the items you want to place holds on and click on "place holds on checked records from this page"
- You will be prompted to enter your library card number and last name
- You will be prompted for a pickup location then click place hold
- IF your hold has been successful you will receive a message that tells you copies are available or what place you are in the hold queue.
- IF your hold has NOT been successful you need to contact your local public library as there is a problem with your account.
SECURITY NOTE: If you are using a computer located within the library, be sure to click the log out button to end the session so the next person to use that computer will not be able to view your record.
SEARCH THE CATALOG BY MEDIA (MATERIAL) TYPE
To search the catalog by media type, Use the classic catalog. Enter your search term, select the material type from the drop down menu in Media and Language Limiting Options on the first page and click "search". You can search the entire Black Gold catalog or search a specific library branch by selecting a location from the drop down menu. You may also limit by language, publisher or publication date and sort the results alphabetically, by date or relevance. When you are finished click the search button to view results.
RENEWING MATERIALS BY TELEPHONE
Books and other materials can now be renewed by telephone using the Black Gold automated renewal system. Overdue items may now be renewed by telephone. If calling from within Ventura, Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo counties, the toll free number is 800-354-9660. Outside the 805 area code, please call 805-546-0499. Follow the automated instructions for renewing your items. You must have your library card to begin.
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