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JoCoLibrary > Research > Downloadable Audiobooks > What's the Difference?

What's the difference between the downloadable audiobooks from Overdrive and Recorded Books/Net Library?

These two sources offer different listening options, checkout periods and titles. Compare the differences:

	Recorded Books/NetLibrary	Overdrive
Collection Overview	Approximately 2,200 titles with about 30 new titles added each month including fiction, nonfiction, language programs, business and mystery.	Approximately 1,400 titles; including selections from New York Times Bestsellers Audio, children's and juvenile Titles, fiction, business and self-help. Also downloadable music, video and e-books!
Titles Available	Browse or search for downloadable audiobooks. Listen to audio samples of books.	Browse or search for downloadable audiobooks. Listen to audio samples of books.
Step-by-Step Guides	Recorded Books/NetLibrary Step-by-Step Guide (PDF)	Find and download audiobooks (PDF) Transfer audiobook to an iPod (PDF) Transfer audiobook to compatible audio player (non-iPod) (PDF) Burn audiobook to a CD (PDF)
Help	Recorded Books/NetLibrary FAQs	Overdrive Help
Listening Options	MP3 downloads are compatible with all players including iPod and Microsoft Zune. WMA downloads are for compatible portable players that support protected WMA files. Most non-iPod players support this type of download.	MP3 downloads are compatible with all players including iPod and Microsoft Zune. Many WMA downloads are also compatible with iPod using Overdrive Media Console version 3.2. All WMA downloads work on compatible portable players that support protected WMA files.
Free Required Software	•Microsoft Windows Media Player v9 and above OR •Musicmatch Jukebox v8.2 and above OR •NullSoft Winamp v5 and above	For iPod Overdrive Media Console version 3.2 iTunes 7.6.2 or newer For compatible portable audio player (WMA or MP3 downloads) Overdrive Media Console Windows Media Player (already on most home personal computers) Note: you may be prompted to perform a one-time Windows Media Player security upgrade before playing downloadable audiobooks
iPod or Zune Compatible?	MP3 downloads in this collection are compatible with all players including iPod and Microsoft Zune.	Most downloads in this collection are compatible with iPod using the latest version of the OverDrive Media Console v3.2. All MP3 audiobooks are compatible with Microsoft Zune.
Automatic Check-in	Yes	Yes
Checkout Period	21 days No early check-in	Lending periods vary. Many titles allow you to select a lending period during the checkout process. You may also set up your account to use a specific lending period. More details... No early check-in
Renewals	One	None allowed.
Checkout Limit	Ten per Library Card	Ten per Library Card
Can I place a hold?	Not needed. Unlimited copies.	Yes. Up to 10 holds per Library Card.
Burn to CD?	No	Most audiobooks - all titles except those published by Time Warner and Harper Collins. Cannot burn music to CDs.

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