Frequently Asked Questions
This section contains answers to
typical questions you might have,
and questions you will probably have regarding eAudioBooks.
A: You can find eAudioBooks by clicking on this link.
Q: Do I need a NetLibrary account to access eAudioBooks?
A: No. You can search and listen to a free preview of most eAudioBooks in your library's collection without logging in. To download and listen to an eAudioBook on your personal computer and supported portable listening devices, you will need to create a NetLibrary account. If you are having problems creating an account, please contact our Audio Visual department who will be more than happy to assist you.
Q: Do I need any software on my computer to listen to an eAudioBook?
A: 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.
Q: Can I download and play an eAudioBook on an iPod?
A: No, NetLibrary eAudioBooks cannot be played on iPods. iPods uses a different file format that is not compatible with the Digital Rights Management protection required by NetLibrary eAudioBooks.
Q: Why doesn't the eAudioBook download, even though I get an
acquiring license message?
A: 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 eAudioBook. You need to download a newer version of
Windows Media Player.
A: Yes. eAudioBooks are compatible with a wide range of portable listening devices that support secure WMA format. See Supported Portable Listening Devices
Q: How many eAudioBooks can I check
out simultaneously?
A: 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.
Q: What is the checkout period for
an eAudioBook?
A: NetLibrary automatically downloads a license, with each
download, which lets you access the eAudioBook for 21 days. The license lets
you copy the eAudioBook to two additional portable listening devices.
Q: Can I renew an eAudioBook without
downloading the file a second time?
A: Yes. An eAudioBook 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.
Q: What does "You need a license"
mean?
A: You may have downloaded a new version of Windows Media
Player and need to resynch with the portable listening devices. Contact your
computer or portable listening device manufacturer for specific information.
Q: Why won't the eAudioBook play on
my portable listening device? It played just fine yesterday.
A: 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.
Q: Do I need to return an
eAudioBook
when the checkout period expires?
A: 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 file from your personal computer and
portable listening device.
Q: Can I burn an eAudioBook to a CD?
A: Yes and no. NetLibrary cannot stop you from burning the
eAudioBook file to a CD, but encryptions on the eAudioBook file will make it
unusable.
Q: Do I have to wait for the file
to download before I can listen to an eAudioBook?
A: No. You don't have to wait for the file to download
before you can listen to the eAudioBook. Once you select a download option,
you are prompted to Open or Save the eAudioBook file.
- 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.
- 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.
Q: What level of audio quality can
I expect from an eAudioBook?
A: 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 kbps, 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.
Q: Can I download an eAudioBook to
a public computer in my library?
A: No.
Q: Are eAudioBook files
automatically removed from my computer when the checkout period expires?
A: No. You need to manually delete the eAudioBook from
your personal computer and portable listening 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.
Q: How long does it take to
download a NetLibrary eAudioBook?
A: Download time depends on the size of the audio file and
the speed of your Internet connection. See
eAudioBook Estimated Download Times.
Q: How do I listen to an eAudioBook
in the car?
A: You will need a radio transmitter or other device
adapter that works with your portable listening device and car stereo.
Contact your device manufacturer for specific requirements.
Q: How do I delete an eAudioBook
from my personal computer or portable listening device?
A: You can delete an eAudioBook from your personal
computer or portable listening device in the same manner as you delete other
files. Contact your personal computer or portable listening device
manufacturer for specific information.
Q: How do I know which version of
Windows Media Player I have installed?
A: There are two ways you can determine which version of
Windows Media Player you have installed: Press the F1 key anywhere on the
Windows Media Player window. The version displays. Press the Alt key
anywhere on the Windows Media Player window. The standard menu bar displays.
Then click on Help and About Windows Media Player.
Q: Is there a safe way to remove
the connection from my portable listening device connected to my computer?
A: Yes. NetLibrary recommends that you use the Remove
Hardware option (generally found on your Control Panel) to remove the
connection from your portable listening device.
Q: Can I download and play an
eAudioBook on a Mac?
A: NetLibrary eAudioBooks cannot be played on Macs because
the latest version of Window Media Player available for Macs (version 9) is
based on Windows Media Rights Manager version 1.3. NetLibrary uses version
2.x licenses for eAudioBooks in order to maintain a high level of security.
Because the latest version of Windows Media Player for Macs does not support
2.x licenses, NetLibrary eAudioBooks cannot be played on Macs at this point
in time.
Q: I can't find "Author" or "Book
Title" mentioned in my Media Player? How do I find, play, and transfer my
eAudioBook?
A: Media players and portable listening devices may be
music oriented, so you need to be creative when trying to find your
eAudioBook. Try looking under Album title for your eAudioBook title or
under Artist when looking for the Author.