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Does anyone have audio books in their public library?
We have been funding it in Utah then someone made a stink about how audio books should not be in a library.
Honestly, I think they are just as good.

I personally don't like them, but they'd be great for blind or partially sighted customers.

I think it is great to have them! I used to love listening to books-on-tape as a child when I was going to sleep at night. We used to get great ones from the library when I was tiny and my mother and grandfather also made me some of them reading stories, which I still have.
I like audiobooks for long roadtrips...David Sedaris is great because they're short and hilarious.
Not only are they great for people with disabilities, but they're also great for kids who can't read yet or who can read some but want longer stories.
I also love it that our library has movies but I HATE that you can count them when doing the summer reading program!

we get them here in australia love to listen to them when driving long trips to work

we get them here in australia love to listen to them when driving long trips to work

I used to consider them "cheating", but then I came across a book I just could not manage to get though but really wanted to know the story so I broke down and got the audio from the library. I've only listened to the one, but I think I could listen to more. From what I have heard, the narrator makes a big difference. I didn't care for the narrator of the one I listened too, but would like to try others read by someone else.

I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be around. But as what has been mentioned by angelnetinc, the narrator does play an important role to create and stir up that kind of enthusiasm when you listen to it.

these book s sighted to the spciall catagory n very helpful to them

I love them, I put them on my Ipod and listen while cleaning or doing yardwork. I listened to the whole Twilight series on audio book.

it depends on what the audiobook is all about. an audiobook about physics is totally boring compared to an audiobook of twilight. lol

Sound interesting. But audio books available in library that is very useful to everyone.

I didnt hear this.

Thanks.

I personally prefer infinitely a regular book, since I can go at my pace and sift through the writing at my leisure, and with my own imagination forming the dialogue. But I have nothing against audio books, especially for those who's time is so constrained they can't devote any time to a book. This is especially useful for those with long commutes. At any rate, I see no reason why they shouldn't be in libraries, that's just being obstinate.

Though I agree with MoreCowbell, I'm rather iffy about students using them for assignments... part of the point is learning how to read and pick out critical information, they don't make audio calculus textbooks.

I guess the real gamble is if whoever made the audiobook did a lousy job of it. Nothing worse, in my opinion than if I paid a hefty sum for one and the voice(s) were dreadful to listen to.

I think audiobooks are a good tool for the library. When I used to commute to university, it took up to two hours to get home. Instead of sitting like a lump in traffic, I picked up audio books to listen to while I was on the freeway.

Also, there are some people who are auditory learners. I know Wikipedia isn't always accurate, but it says that auditory learners make up 20% of the population. So, audio books are probably better for these people since reading probably won't be as effective for them.

I love them. I use them when I am driving, cooking, cleaning, or working with my hands and am unable to hold a book.

And, yes, I do think they should be made available in the library. They have every other kind of media there; newspapers, magazines, internet access, music, movies. . . .