Podiobooks Rock

Okay I downloaded my first podiobook last week as something have to listen to while on the road. I didn’t really think much about it other than I was going to be spending way too much time in a car and I didn’t want to be bored. However, ironically, I’ve discovered that I am addicted. Beyond the fact that the book I download was free (I’m going to be making a Paypal donation ASAP), being able to listen to a book was a neat and exciting experience for me. I love to read, but there is something about having something read to you… that enhances the experience. The other thing is podiobooks are serialized, a new chapter gets put up each week and therefore there is anticipation. I’m patiently waiting for the next installment of the one I’m listening too right now.

Beyond the overall this is new and neat factor for me, it would seems that there are many other benefits to books in audio format. First and foremost, the availablity of materials to people with visual disabilities. Secondly, by making materials available in a variety of formats, the author is able to reach people with a variety of learning styles. Sometimes I just can’t concentrate enough to read. Particularly if am experiencing a great deal of stress. In the past, I have dealt with this by listening to music. However, I found listening to my podiobook equally therapeutic.

Libraries need to figure out ways to make these types of materials available to their users. As I previously mentioned, this hasn’t been done well yet because vendors who make this type of content available make it plateform dependant. We also need to encourage authors and publishers to provide multiple formats. Looking at audiobooks via a number of vendors, I discovered that the cost of this format is significantly higher (even if it is an MP3) than the more traditional paperback. Part of me wonders, hey what gives? Creating audio content is not all that difficult as a podcasting has proved. I want the authors to get paid for their intellectual property, its only fair. But why should the audio version of a book cost more than the hardcover, let alone the paperback. Perhaps with increased competition in the marketplace the costs will go down. (see the article in Business week online)

Going beyond the idea of creating audio versions of books, as content creators, libraries need to think about how they can make their content (web site, instruction, etc) available to a wider audience and in a variety of formats. Certain other commercial content distributors are thinking about this and potentially taking responsibility for it themselves. Check out a recent post from Library Planet on changes in the digtal audio content marketplace.