CLEVELAND — Digital media vendor OverDrive announced in a news release OverDrive Media Kiosk Software, a new application that enables Internet-connected PCs to become self-service download stations for audio books and music. This Windows-based software permits patrons in the library to download copy-protected audio book and music titles directly to supported MP3/WMA players. The software and service will be demonstrated at the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, January 20-23, 2006 in San Antonio, Texas.
"Readers and listeners will be able to come into the library with MP3 players and walk out with best-selling unabridged audio books ready to enjoy," said Claudia Weissman, director of business development for OverDrive and Digital Library Reserve. "Now public libraries can offer download services for patrons without Internet access at home. Anyone with a library card can bring their player to the library and use the free high-speed connection to download novels by Tom Clancy, Amy Tan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and hundreds of award-winning authors and narrators."
With OverDrive Media Kiosk Software installed at a library's public Internet station, patrons can search the library catalog, locate a title, and then connect a player to the terminal using a USB port or cable. The self-service software enables patrons to take advantage of the library's broadband connection to download and transfer audio books, educational materials, or music directly to portable devices that support protected WMA format.
