Marmot Library Network Offers New Digital Library

GRAND JUNCTION, CO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 30, 2006 -- Libraries on the West Slope that are members of the Marmot Library Network consortium now provide free downloads of audio books and music. The members have contracted with OverDrive, Inc., an Ohio company with over 20 years experience providing digital content over global networks. Library users can access the new digital collections at http://marmot.lib.overdrive.com.

Federal Library Services and Technology Act funding and contributions from the member libraries created a start-up collection of over 1,000 titles. They may be "checked out" for 14 days and downloaded to personal computers and laptops, then transferred to compatible listening devices. Many of the titles may be burned to CD. Registered borrowers can borrow items from the digital site 24/7 from their homes or offices, or anywhere over the World Wide Web. At the end of the loan period, the book or music is automatically "checked in," so there are never any overdue fines or late fees. There is also no physical disk to lose or damage, so there is never any replacement cost.

If the borrower wants to listen to a book or music score that someone else has checked out, they can place a hold on it and be notified by e-mail when it is available. A portion of the audio book collection is leased, rather than owned, by the Marmot Library Network consortium, and can be checked out by an unlimited number of users at the same time. These are primarily classic works.

Marmot Library Network Executive Director Joel Robinson says: "None of our member libraries could afford to offer this service on their own. The power of group purchasing and the start-up Federal funds from the State Library of Colorado has made it possible. Now library card holders on the West Slope can use the library without coming to the library buildings."

"Our patrons live and work in rural mountain locations," stated Shelly Kilgas, Systems Administrator for the Grand County Library District in Granby, Colorado. "The OverDrive Media Console and our download service provide our patrons with easy access to best-selling audio books and classical music," she added.

In the future, the consortium of libraries intends to add videos to their digital collection.

Contact Information: Media Contacts: Joel M. Robinson Executive Director Marmot Library Network, Inc. (970) 242-3331 ext. 19 Shannon Mangan OverDrive, Inc. Digital Library Reserve (216) 573-6886 ext. 217