Library Information


Online Catalog


Electronic Resources


Library Websites

Additional Information On Digital Audiobook Formats

Because different publishers have different distribution requirements, our digital audiobooks come in two formats, WMA and MP3. Each audiobook on the web site will display the format clearly, and will verify which devices can play the book.

One format, Overdrive MP3 Audiobook, works with any player, including iPod, Zune, and any device that will play an MP3 file. Notice in the image below that all of the "Plays on" buttons are bright blue. About 5% of our titles are available in MP3.

The second format, Overdrive WMA Audiobook, uses secure Windows Media files, commonly called "protected WMA" or "WMA with DRM (Digital Rights Management)." Notice that the Mac, iPod, and MP3 buttons are grey, indicating that the title cannot be played on Mac, iPod, or devices that do not support WMA. Approximately 95% of our audiobooks are WMA.

Most of our titles are available only in the protected WMA format because publishers are reluctant to provide audio files that do not contain copy protection. If we (libraries and library patrons) demonstrate that we can use the unprotected audiobook files legally, then publishers will be more likely to provide unprotected files.

To see a list of devices that support the protected WMA files, visit: www.overdrive.com/resources/drc.
To browse the audiobook collection, visit http://digitalbooks.eapl.org.