Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky available 24/7 with Internet connection and library card

 

McCormick Place, Chicago – 2005 American Library Association Annual Conference – June 22, 2005 – OverDrive, Inc. announced today at the commencement of the annual conference of the nation’s librarians in Chicago (Booth #1244) that it has expanded its partnership with Naxos of America, Inc., the world’s leading independent classical music label, to add thousands of Naxos titles to its Digital Library Reserve catalog for libraries.  Audiophiles will be able to visit the websites of leading libraries to browse, select, and download digital versions of the world’s greatest classical recordings for listening on a PC, PDA, Smartphone, and supported MP3 audio players.  Leading public libraries coast-to-coast already offer a similar service for Naxos Audio Books.

The Naxos Music Library contains over 5,000 classical works brought to life by internationally recognized performers and orchestras. The company has earned wide acclaim for their historic productions including two Grammy Awards, more than 20 Grammy nominations, and dozens of other international awards.

“The Naxos classical music collection contains the historic and cultural music of our time.  The digital format permits our library to develop a rich catalog of important, high-fidelity audio titles that preserve, educate, and share these important works,” said Cynthia Orr, Collection Manager for Cleveland Public Library.

OverDrive’s digital media platform makes it possible for patrons to browse their library’s online digital collection and checkout the works anytime of day from anywhere in the world.  Audio titles are downloaded directly to a user’s computer where they can be listened to or then transferred to a portable MP3 player.  At the end of the lending period, typically 14 to 21 days, the digital files automatically expire and are made available for the next patron.  Many of the Naxos Classics include an associated eBook with biographical notes that provide in-depth background and historical information about the composition.

“Naxos narrated audiobooks have been providing thousands of hours of enjoyment for patrons from public library websites with the convenience of downloading them from home,” stated Jim Sturgeon, CEO of Naxos of America, Inc.  “Today’s announcement adds digital versions of the most important works of classical music ever recorded to this service from your local public library,” he added.

For more information on the project and a listing of libraries currently using OverDrive’s Digital Library Reserve service, visit http://www.dlrinc.com.

 

ABOUT OVERDRIVE & DIGITAL LIBRARY RESERVE

OverDrive & Digital Library Reserve are leading solution providers for digital audiobooks, eBooks, and other digital media to retailers, wholesalers, and libraries in the US and abroad.  Digital Library Reserve is a customized, web-based service that enables libraries to loan best-selling digital books and other media to their patrons. Strategic technology partners include Microsoft Corporation, Adobe Systems, Inc., Sirsi, Dynix, and Mobipocket. The companies are headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio and have been producing digital document solutions since 1986. For more information on OverDrive, Inc., please visit http://www.overdrive.com.

ABOUT NAXOS OF AMERICA

Since 1987, Naxos has redefined how classical music is presented and marketed. The innovative strategy of recording exciting new repertoire with exceptional talent has enabled the label to develop one of the largest and fastest growing catalogues of unduplicated repertoire available anywhere—currently over 2,500 titles—with state-of-the-art sound and the consumer-friendly price of $7.99 per CD.

Naxos of America, the Leader in Independent Classical Music Distribution in the U.S., is the exclusive American distributor for Naxos, Marco Polo, Naïve, CPO, dacapo, CBC Records, Analekta, First Edition, Pentatone, The Children’s Group, Arthaus DVD, BBC/Opus Arte DVD, TDK DVD, EuroArts DVD, Big Comfy Couch, Naxos World, Naxos AudioBooks and Amadis record labels.  In July 2005 Naxos of America will begin distributing Profil.

Naxos of America has two offices: a central headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee and a publicity office in New York City.  Naxos of America is owned by the North American Classical Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Naxos Global Distribution.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Brian Wright

Public Relations Manager, OverDrive, Inc.

(216) 573-6886, ext. 207, bwright@overdrive.com

 

###