No More Library mp3 audiobooks!

[sgmoore]

Originally Posted by rhyta

I just found out last night when I went on my library's Overdrive page.

Does your library support BorrowBox?

Mine supports both overdrive and borrowbox and the former has the warning, but the later still has the download option and has no warning that this is going to go away. Borrowbox does have a smaller selection of books and audiobooks, but also has some that are not available on overdrive.

[gussy]

Originally Posted by Catlady

I'm seeing a notice on my public library sites today:



I know this has been mentioned in the past and apparently delayed, but it looks like it's actually coming to pass. Which means my mp3 player isn't going to be an option anymore. I'm really upset to be forced to use another stupid app.

I think this that downloads on Ebooks is next. They will only be available on Libby.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by gussy

I think this that downloads on Ebooks is next. They will only be available on Libby.

I agree that ebook downloads to a computer are next on the chopping block, although I imagine they'll still allow direct downloads to eink readers. Which, again, for people with older devices or connectivity issues, i.e. the broke and the old, will mean that they're cut off.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by rhyta

I just found out last night when I went on my library's Overdrive page.

They were phasing the MP3's out a year or so ago but some libraries kept the legacy Overdrive for Windows for those who still had it on their computers.

After talking to a librarian today, he said it is definitely going away in November. It just makes me so angry that Overdrive forces this on everyone. They are so obsessed with piracy that they are doing this regardless of whether it makes sense or not. Also I believe it also makes it easier for them to track reader's history. I quit Audible a couple of years ago when they changed their files to "enhanced" which were only for use on phones. They want to track everything we do.

Now I am also in a bind because I won't be able to check out e-books because I don't use a Kindle. This change will mess that up.

I really feel abandoned, I have relied on my library for so many years to have a good selection of books to check out and enjoy digitally.

I sent a message to LibroFM to see if they are going stop providing downloads of MP3's as well. It is my only source for them at present but don't know how long that will last either. Just stinks.

You can still check out eBooks. You own a nook. I know the video is old. But the principle is the same. It's just that the software had been updated.

[rhyta]

Ok, I got some good news, LibroFm says they are keeping the MP3 download option so there's that. After emailing the customer service department at my local library, they said my e-books will not be affected. Since I use a Nook, the ADE program will still work and I can check them out with no problem.

Just for reference, here is the link the library sent me for more clarification:

Ending support for OverDrive's desktop apps and website MP3 downloads
On November 13, 2024, we will retire the MP3 audiobook format from OverDrive library websites and end support for OverDrive's desktop apps for Windows and Mac (which only work with MP3 audiobooks).

After this change, you can listen to audiobooks using the following options:

In Libby (available for Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire devices or at libbyapp.com in a web browser)
On your library's OverDrive website using the Listen now in browser option
In the OverDrive app (only available in select countries)
Last Updated: 22 October 2024

[rhyta]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You can still check out eBooks. You own a nook. I know the video is old. But the principle is the same. It's just that the software had been updated.

Thanks, I didn't see your post before I commented again. I spoke with my library and they told me it wasn't going to be affected.

Just let my emotions get the best of me.

[rhyta]

Originally Posted by sgmoore

Does your library support BorrowBox?

Mine supports both overdrive and borrowbox and the former has the warning, but the later still has the download option and has no warning that this is going to go away. Borrowbox does have a smaller selection of books and audiobooks, but also has some that are not available on overdrive.

No Borrow Box. Hoopla for video only at my local libraries. But I have LibroFM which will continue to allow downloads in MP3, a subscription service but it supports independent bookstores.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by rhyta

Thanks, I didn't see your post before I commented again. I spoke with my library and they told me it wasn't going to be affected.

Just let my emotions get the best of me.

At least you won't lose access to eBooks because you can read them with your nook.

[rhyta]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

At least you won't lose access to eBooks because you can read them with your nook.

Yes, I can continue to do that for now. I am trying to figure out how I can use an older Android phone to use for Libby. Have looked at some of threads pinned in the Audiobooks section but the information is a bit dated and I'll have to read it in parts to get the gist of it.

Know I am going to have to figure something out if I still want to use the library for audiobooks.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by rhyta

They are so obsessed with piracy that they are doing this regardless of whether it makes sense or not.

This will almost certainly drive more people to pirated sources who would never have had any reason to bother before, and it will not dissuade actual pirates, so that's sure not a ligitimate reason even if they come out and say it is.

Also I believe it also makes it easier for them to track reader's history. I quit Audible a couple of years ago when they changed their files to "enhanced" which were only for use on phones. They want to track everything we do.

I hadn't considered that motive. I was trying to figure out how they were monetizing this. The only other legitimate motive I could think of is reducing the costs associated with maintaining two platforms.

[rhyta]

Originally Posted by ApK

This will almost certainly drive more people to pirated sources who would never have had any reason to bother before, and it will not dissuade actual pirates, so that's sure not a ligitimate reason even if they come out and say it is.

I hadn't considered that motive. I was trying to figure out how they were monetizing this. The only other legitimate motive I could think of is reducing the costs associated with maintaining two platforms.

Audible was concerned about unauthorized sharing of audios so making the files larger and in a new format would make it literally impossible to download them to a computer to reformat and transfer to a different player.
I used a program to do this after I had lost a number of them when I changed computers. They were books I returned to Audible so there wasn't a copy on my account to transfer to the new hard drive. I was able to download those left in my account to my new computer but I did this so that wouldn't happen again.

I think Overdrive probably has the same motive and by having them on our phones, they can track how we use them much easier.

It was less complicated to make copies of the MP3 files from Overdrive for Windows and save them. Many people often copied audio books on to their computers when they wanted to finish listening to the book if they weren't able to finish listening before the due date and couldn't renew them again.
It wasn't exactly proper to do this but many would delete the files when they had finished them and weren't involved in selling them to others.

It just seems worse for the public libraries to have to cut patrons' access off and is contrary to what libraries are meant to do, be a resource for those in the community who can't afford a lot of fancy electronics IMHO

The problem with the technology changing so often, it leaves more people on the outside looking in. I looked at a new Walkman with bluetooth capabilities that I could use to check out and listen to audiobooks and it was over $1,500! Very frustrating.

[Catlady]

When I first began listening to audiobooks, 12 or so years ago, library downloads used the wma format, which I think had DRM protection; then they switched to unprotected mp3 files. I wonder what the reason is now for trying to impose a restriction again. Are publishers forcing this change? I can't see how libraries benefit, but I can see how publishers would; I will potentially be buying more books, perhaps again picking up Audible for a year.

I don't like the idea of my reading habits being more easily tracked, either, though I guess my check-outs alone provide plenty of information.

[rhyta]

Originally Posted by Catlady

When I first began listening to audiobooks, 12 or so years ago, library downloads used the wma format, which I think had DRM protection; then they switched to unprotected mp3 files. I wonder what the reason is now for trying to impose a restriction again. Are publishers forcing this change? I can't see how libraries benefit, but I can see how publishers would; I will potentially be buying more books, perhaps again picking up Audible for a year.

I don't like the idea of my reading habits being more easily tracked, either, though I guess my check-outs alone provide plenty of information.

I switched from Audible when they stopped MP3's about 3 years ago. I use LibroFM to buy them and they still let me download the files in MP3 format. They work with independent bookstores which I like and they recently began a new plan, instead of purchasing every month, you can buy every other month. I got a bunch of credits backed up so I paused my subscription for about 6 months, then once I had spent them I signed up for this option.

It seems this change benefits the publishers and companies like Overdrive and Audible. Libraries have been getting the short end ever since digital formats became popular. They get overcharged for the license to offer the material and can only check them out to patrons for a short time.

[Amalthia]

What I'm hearing is the companies want people to pirate their materials.

[odamizu]

I've been using the Libby app, trying to get used to it, and it just makes me unhappier and unhappier