In recent months, there has been a lot of discussion about the use of downloadable audio books by New Hampshire public libraries. In November, 2005, the State Library hosted a meeting of interested librarians and 40 people attended this lively meeting to discuss the future of this approach to serving audio books patrons. At a follow-up meeting held in December, a group of 10, serving as a steering committee for the project, discussed specifics of setting up a consortium to allow all libraries in the state to experiment with the new resource. The stumbling block for individual libraries adopting downloadable audio books has been the initial cost to set up the program with a vendor and the capital investing to purchase enough content to make the program viable.

The situation, of course, lends itself to the organization like the State Library. We can draw on our experience with vendors who provide databases. We feel confident we can assist libraries to get over the initial stumbling block and help form a consortium of libraries interested in using this emerging resource for library patrons.

The move to downloadable material is a logical progression based on the capacity of Ipods, MP3 players, etc. We have gone from vinyl discs to ferrous tape, to compact discs and now to the virtual format. In the last quarter of 2005, primarily in the Christmas months of November and December, Apple sold 14 million Ipods, 1/3 of the total sold since it was introduced three years ago. The flash memory revolution is upon us, the ability to add an Ipod into a car sound system makes them a must appliance for anyone wishing to have access to music and spoken word materials.

The State Library Talking Book section has been providing access to Overdrive materials to about 25 of its clients for the last two years. Although this is a small group of users, they have expressed satisfaction with the product.

The goal is to have material available for libraries by June. A number of libraries in the state have committed to joining the consortium already. We expect more as the program gains momentum. If you have questions, please contact me at the State Library at (603) 271-2397, or by e-mail myork@library.state.nh.us.

-Michael York, State Librarian