10:08 pm - A new way to do audio
If you are an audiobook fan (or like the idea of audiobooks but think they're too clunky and inconvenient, and might use them if they were more like an iPod) then stop by the desk the next time you're in the library and take a look at our new Playaway electronic audiobook.
We've been hearing rumors about these neat little devices during most of 2006, and we finally got to see one in September when one of our book vendors came by to show off her demo unit. Now we have a demo unit of our own!
Playaways are smaller than a pack of cigarettes or playing cards, and run on a AAA battery (which we supply). They come with headphones and can be connected to a home or car stereo system with a basic line-in cord. They're a lot cheaper than CD audiobooks and a little cheaper than tapes, so we're seeing this as a very space-efficient, money-efficient way to get more titles on the shelf.
But! New tech is fun and exciting, and there are a lot of things about the Playaways that are great from the library's perspective. But none of that means anything unless the new service, or resource is useful to YOU, the patron. What we need to know is whether you actually like these new audiobooks, or whether you'd prefer that we stay with buying CDs. So drop by and take a look, play with it a little, and let us know what you think. It's all about your positive experience with the library!
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