Audio Book Changes

The market for audio books is an ever changing thing. A few years ago the library subscribed to a contract where we rented audio books on cassette. Over the years, the library was able to build up a collection which was large enough in size to accommodate demand for audio books so we looked into cancelling the rental contract.

Well then a funny thing happened. People began to get CD players in their cars instead of cassette players. There was a great demand for books on CD. So, the library instead of cancelling the contract for books on cassette converted it to books on CD in an attempt to meet the growing demand.

Well again time has allowed the library to meet the demand. So last year we cancelled our last rental contract.

However, again technology progressed and people began buying MP3 players in greater and greater numbers. Now companies are making available Audio books in downloadable format.

The library has tried one contract in this area, because of technicalities we had to end the contract, but will be looking at moving in that direction again when available.

This year we have seen the production of books on cassette greatly reducing, probably because the demand for books on cassette has fallen by more than 75%. Additionally, the demand for books on CD has increased by more than 300%. Because of these demand changes, we have decided to stop buying books on cassette. Very few are available anyway. We are concentrating on buying books on CD right now.

The library is committed to keeping up with the format changes. We want to continue serving all Adams County residents. However, sometimes the market ties our hands and we have to drop some formats for the formats available. Keep on reading, or listening in this case.