A service which allowed Idaho library patrons to download electronic books for free will be discontinued on Sept. 30 – a year later than it had been expected to end.
The Eaudiobooks subscription was provided to all Idaho members of the Cooperative Information Network (CIN) including the Coeur d'Alene Public Library through the LiLI website operated by the Idaho Commission for Libraries. The service was origin
ally to be available on a trial basis for a year but had been extended.
Libraries involved in the program would be able to continue the service only by purchasing a subscription that ranges from about $2,100 for the smallest libraries to $16,000 for the largest. Costs are based on annual circulation statistics. Because of budget constraints, none of the CIN member libraries are able to continue the service.
The service ends at midnight on Wednesday, Sept. 30. According to information from the commission:
► Users may download and check out Eaudiobooks any time through Sept. 30. Their accounts will be closed as of 12:01a.m. Oct. 1.
► Eaudiobooks already downloaded as of 12:01am Oct. 1 will continue to work through the book’s check-out expiration date. That means that a book downloaded on Sept. 29 will remain active/usable in the user’s portable player through Oct. 19.
► The link to the Eaudiobooks on the LiLI Portal (www.lili.org) will be removed on Sept. 30.
All libraries offer a selection of audiobooks on CDs, tape or as PlayAway books. Visit www.cdalibrary.org or the CIN website, http://cin.wash-id.net, for availability.
The 21 libraries in CIN share a common library card, a computer catalog, and circulation services in order to provide patrons in North Idaho and eastern Washington with better and more convenient access to library services and materials.
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