No More Library mp3 audiobooks!

[odamizu]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I don't find it confusing. I do find it annoying.

Won't argue with it being annoying.

If this were a purchased audiobook that I will keep and this were the only way to obtain an mp3 version, I'd be willing to go through this effort, figuring out the download directions and dealing with these tag things.

But this is a library loan that I will listen to for 2 weeks tops then delete.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by odamizu

Won't argue with it being annoying.

If this were a purchased audiobook that I will keep and this were the only way to obtain an mp3 version, I'd be willing to go through this effort, figuring out the download directions and dealing with these tag things.

But this is a library loan that I will listen to for 2 weeks tops then delete.

The reason others want mp3 is that they can put the audiobook on a device that doesn't have a browser or Libby app.

[odamizu]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The reason others want mp3 is that they can put the audiobook on a device that doesn't have a browser or Libby app.

I understand that. But it doesn't change the fact that it's still a library loan that you're supposed to delete after the loan period ends.

All I'm saying is that going to all that effort for a loan I will delete after 2 weeks ... well ... plus the idea of hacking a library loan (i.e., not something I purchased and own) ... I'm really hoping the library that's working with OverDrive to restore mp3 downloads will succeed so that those of us who find the Libby app problematic will still be able to listen to audiobooks from public libraries without having to turn to questionable methods.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by odamizu

I understand that. But it doesn't change the fact that it's still a library loan that you're supposed to delete after the loan period ends.

All I'm saying is that going to all that effort for a loan I will delete after 2 weeks ... well ... plus the idea of hacking a library loan (i.e., not something I purchased and own) ... I'm really hoping the library that's working with OverDrive to restore mp3 downloads will succeed so that those of us who find the Libby app problematic will still be able to listen to audiobooks from public libraries without having to turn to questionable methods.

I don't find the Libby app problematical on my iPhone. I mostly use Libby on the web though. I do use the Libby app mostly for listening to audiobooks.

[odamizu]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I don't find the Libby app problematical on my iPhone. I mostly use Libby on the web though. I do use the Libby app mostly for listening to audiobooks.

The Libby app is problematical for anyone who wants to listen to audiobooks on an mp3 player. You just said as much 3 posts back.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by odamizu

The Libby app is problematical for anyone who wants to listen to audiobooks on an mp3 player. You just said as much 3 posts back.

You can get an MP3 player that runs Android and put the Libby app on there to listen to eBooks.

I mostly listen on my phone so I have the app.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by odamizu

I understand that. But it doesn't change the fact that it's still a library loan that you're supposed to delete after the loan period ends.

All I'm saying is that going to all that effort for a loan I will delete after 2 weeks ... well ... plus the idea of hacking a library loan (i.e., not something I purchased and own) ... I'm really hoping the library that's working with OverDrive to restore mp3 downloads will succeed so that those of us who find the Libby app problematic will still be able to listen to audiobooks from public libraries without having to turn to questionable methods.

Well, previously we were trusted to delete mp3 downloads; they didn't automatically disappear from the computer. So that part of borrowing is really the same, even if you download now through a more indirect process.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You can get an MP3 player that runs Android and put the Libby app on there to listen to eBooks.

When people are coping with a library service that’s been yanked away, telling them to splash out more money on a different device really isn’t an effective solution. Especially since the main point of library borrowing is “free”.

And in my own case, I am not aware of a waterproof MP3 player that runs Android and I imagine if it exists, it would be cost-prohibitive. But hey, you listen on your phone so you’re fine.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by issybird

When people are coping with a library service that’s been yanked away, telling them to splash out more money on a different device really isn’t an effective solution. Especially since the main point of library borrowing is “free”.

And in my own case, I am not aware of a waterproof MP3 player that runs Android and I imagine if it exists, it would be cost-prohibitive. But hey, you listen on your phone so you’re fine.

I wasn't aware of ANY Android mp3 player, and when I tried Googling, all I found were mp3 apps for phones. Which doesn't really help.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by issybird

When people are coping with a library service that’s been yanked away, telling them to splash out more money on a different device really isn’t an effective solution. Especially since the main point of library borrowing is “free”.

And in my own case, I am not aware of a waterproof MP3 player that runs Android and I imagine if it exists, it would be cost-prohibitive. But hey, you listen on your phone so you’re fine.

Here's a very small waterproof MP3 player with Android; but like you said, it's very expensive.

* Delphin 2.0 Player --- $200 (reg $270) -- WSL

* Delphin App Guides --- Libby is compatible

[JSWolf]

There is one solution that may work. Buy a cheap Android phone and use that for audiobooks.

[odamizu]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Well, previously we were trusted to delete mp3 downloads; they didn't automatically disappear from the computer. So that part of borrowing is really the same, even if you download now through a more indirect process.

Yes, though I feel like we're no longer being trusted to delete mp3 downloads.

My point was simply that circumventing Libby to download, and then manually adding these tag things feels like a lot of gray for a loaned (not purchased) book that I will delete in 2 weeks. I would do it for a purchased book that I owned, but for a library loan ... I just hope OverDrive decides to make mp3 downloads possible again.

Also, I have to wonder how long the download hack will last before OverDrive blocks it.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by odamizu

Yes, though I feel like we're no longer being trusted to delete mp3 downloads.

My point was simply that circumventing Libby to download, and then manually adding these tag things feels like a lot of gray for a loaned (not purchased) book that I will delete in 2 weeks. I would do it for a purchased book that I owned, but for a library loan ... I just hope OverDrive decides to make mp3 downloads possible again.

Also, I have to wonder how long the download hack will last before OverDrive blocks it.

I don't know if the hack can be blocked.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

There is one solution that may work. Buy a cheap Android phone and use that for audiobooks.

The problem with using another cellphone is that they're too big to be convenient MP3 players. So you end up carrying two cellphones. Not a practical solution, but it's still an option.

I quit using small MP3 players awhile back because I'm not out and about long enough to make it worthwhile. It's just easier to listen to music.

Currently, I only listen to audiobooks at home. For Audible, I use one of my Echos. For all other audiobooks, I use an old cellphone.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Here's a very small waterproof MP3 player with Android; but like you said, it's very expensive.

* Delphin 2.0 Player --- $200 (reg $270) -- WSL

* Delphin App Guides --- Libby is compatible

I was aware of Delphin; a member here was involved in the kickstarter for the original device, but I wasn't at all sure it was still in business. And, as you note, it's way outside what I'm willing to spend. Noting that I just got a new waterproof MP3 player this past summer, dang it!