OverDrive Software and Library Stations Help Bridge the Digital Divide

 

Cleveland, OH – December 14, 2005 – Digital media vendor OverDrive® announced today OverDrive Media Kiosk Software, a new application which enables Internet connected PCs to become self-service download stations for audiobooks and music.  This Windows-based software permits patrons in the library to download copy-protected audiobook 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 audiobooks ready to enjoy”, stated 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,” Ms. Weissman added.

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 audiobooks, educational materials, or music directly to portable devices that support protected WMA format.

OverDrive has been working with Cuyahoga County Public Library, in Ohio, to test the new download application.   The Library (www.cuyahogalibrary.org) has 28 branches serving 47 suburban communities and is one of the 10 busiest library systems in the United States. “All of our branch locations offer free high-speed Internet PCs as a service to the community,” stated Tracy Strobel, Deputy Director of Cuyahoga County Public Library. “Enabling audiobook and music downloads in the library gives customers a higher level of convenience and service,” she added.

OverDrive and Digital Library Reserve supply popular eBooks, audiobooks, and music to over 2,000 libraries in the U.S. and abroad.  The companies offer the largest collection of award-winning titles, authors, and foreign language content for download to PC, PDA, Smartphone and mobile players.    For more information about this service visit:  www.dlrinc.com.

 

Contact:

Loree Potash

(216) 573-6886 x202

lpotash@overdrive.com

 

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