Audio Book Downloads Explode at Public Library ‘Virtual Branches’
OverDrive adds 3,500 additional library partners during 2007 for digital book services
Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA – January 9, 2007 – As the nation’s librarians convene in Philadelphia at the American Library Association Midwinter Conference, Jan. 11-14, OverDrive (www.overdrive.com) will report on the explosive growth of its digital audio book, eBook, music, and video services from online library catalogs. During 2007 alone, OverDrive delivered via free download the digital equivalent of more than 26 million CDs of spoken-word content (more than 1.5 billion minutes) for a growth of 80 percent as compared to 2006.
To help libraries take advantage of the flourishing download market, OverDrive will have the OverDrive Theater (Booth #552) at ALA Midwinter to present download statistics and trends, news on enhanced reading software and portable listening devices, and best practices for developing a download collection that patrons will use again and again. At a special OverDrive Theater session, public library collection development expert Cindy Orr will present “Rethinking Your Digital Collections,” Saturday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m.
OverDrive powers download media catalogs at 7,500 public library locations worldwide, including those at institutions in New York City, Philadelphia, Singapore, Boston, and Toronto. Libraries can build a download collection by selecting from more than 100,000 available digital eBook, audio book, music, and video downloads, including best sellers and new releases.
Presentations are scheduled every 30 minutes throughout the conference, with an MP3 player giveaway at every presentation. For a full schedule of OverDrive Theater’s ALA Midwinter 2008 presentations, visit http://www.overdrive.com/products/dlr/ALA08philly.asp.
About OverDrive, Inc.
OverDrive is a global leader in providing world-class technology and infrastructure for downloading premium digital eBooks, audio books, music, and video. OverDrive provides secure download services for hundreds of publishers and more than 7,500 libraries, schools, and retailers in the U.S. and worldwide. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, OH. www.OverDrive.com
Contact:
David Burleigh
OverDrive, Inc.
216-573-6886 x218
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