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Library staff helping patrons navigate digital book world
[January 16, 2013]

Library staff helping patrons navigate digital book world


Jan 16, 2013 (Carlsbad Current-Argus - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Audio books, eReaders, eBooks, MP3 players, apps and Android are words commonly used today in the use of digital devices that make life easier for most of us strapped for time in a hurry-up world. But what do you do if you recently received a digital device as a gift, but have no clue how to use it The Carlsbad Public Library has the answer: It is offering a free class on Jan. 22 and again on Jan. 26 on how to borrow eBooks and audio books from the library, and how to use the digital devices needed to read or hear a book by a favorite or new author.



"We know many people received a new technical device for Christmas and we want to help them get started checking out library eBooks and audio books," said Cassandra Arnold, library director. "We see a need for it (the upcoming classes). Other libraries are doing this sort of thing and we believe this time of year is a good time to offer a class the community can use." Arnold said last year the library offered a technology petting zoo, where vendors were on hand offering different digital devices and showing library patrons and others in the community how to use them. She said the upcoming class may have a small technology petting zoo, but mostly people will have to bring their personal devices to learn how to use them to check out books electronically.

In this digital age, library books can be accessed from the comfort of your home.


"All you need is a library card and a digital device," Arnold said. "The library has on its website where library patrons can browse the digital material, one for eBooks and one for audio books." Last year, the library introduced its eBook collection, Axis 360, which works with the free Blio eBook reading software that can be downloaded to a personal computer, tablet or iPhone.

When a title is checked out through Axis 360 at http://www.cityofcarlsbadnm.com/ebooks.cfm, it can be moved to multiple devices that support Blio such as an iPhone, iPad or Kindle Fire. The Axis 360 will soon be available for Nook, Kobo, Sony, Mac desktops and WebOS, according to the library's website.

___ (c)2013 the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) Visit the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) at www.currentargus.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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