eAudio: Frequently Asked Questions

What's eAudio?

eAudio are books that are downloaded from an online source to be played on digital audio players that will be available for patrons to charge out of the library. The library has 3 types of players: iPods, the Audible Otis digital audio player and the Creative Nomad MuVo player. They are lightweight, not much larger than a USB key and can hold many hours of listening material. Each player will have a book downloaded on to it and an adaptor to play on a cassette player in your car. Our eAudio collection consists mainly of current fiction. We also will soon have an MP3 audio tour of the Gordon Library.

What is the difference between an audiobook and an eAudio item?

Audiobooks are either cds or tapes of books that a borrower can charge out to be played on the owner's own appropriate device. With eAudio, you request a title from the list of books owned by the library, and we download the book onto a library owned device which you can then charge out. One advantage of the eAudio is the absence of scratched or cracked CDs, broken or multiple tapes or discs, and the use of players without having to purchase one yourself.

Where can I find eAudio titles?

eAudio may be found by searching in the library catalog by Subject for eaudio. Do a search now for eAudio...

Who may charge out eAudio?

eAudio may only be charged out by members of the WPI community (WPI faculty, staff, students and alumi).

How can I check one out of the library?

Display the full record in the library catalog of the title that you would like, click on the Request button at the top toolbar, follow the prompts for WPI Faculty, Students, and Staff, and enter your UNIX login and password. The Request Forms Menu will appear. Choose EAUDIOBOOK Request. Fill in all information. Once we receive the request, we will download the title and send you an email when the item is available to be picked up at the Circulation Desk.

What are the guidelines for using one?

eAudio may be checked out for 4 weeks and may be renewed up to three times unless there is a request by another patron. We will keep them for you for three days to pick up. If not picked up within that time, they will then be available for others to use.
When you come to the Circulation Desk, you will receive a packet containing the player with the book already loaded on it, a cassette adaptor for listening in your car and brief instructions for operating.
You will need to supply your own earphones or you may purchase them at the Circulation Desk for $3.00.
Please do NOT return the players in the bookdrop as they may become damaged when heavy items are dropped on top of them.
Fines for late returns will be $1.00 per day.
Fees for damaged or missing players, batteries or cassettes will be assessed at the appropriate amount.
The Circulation Staff will be happy to assist you in using the player.

Can I bring in my own device to use?

At this time we are not able to support the use of personal players due to copyright restrictions.

Will audiobooks still be available?

Yes, we will continue to have audiobooks on CDs and cassette tapes available.

How many players does the library own?

Currently, the library owns 13 players. If there is a large demand for this service, we will consider purchasing additional players.

Maintained by lib-webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: Aug 12, 2005, 08:43 EDT