NetLibrary teams with Recorded Books to launch Web-based Audiobook program for Libraries

DUBLIN, Ohio, Oct. 22, 2004--NetLibrary, a division of OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc., and the leading provider of eBooks to libraries worldwide, has teamed up with Recorded Books, LLC, the premier provider of unabridged Audiobooks to libraries, to create an innovative new program for delivering Audiobooks to libraries through the Web.

Key elements to this unique program include: an innovative pricing structure, unlimited access, the ability for patrons to download to a range of portable devices, and a technology solution that supports download via broadband or dial-up capabilities, ensuring reach to a wide range of library patrons.

The program formally launches in December 2004. Libraries can view demos of the program upon request.

Library users will be able to search for, preview, checkout and listen to Audiobooks via the Internet and the familiar NetLibrary platform, and can focus their search on audio titles only, or take advantage of search functionality that integrates audio titles with all electronic content their library may have in their NetLibrary collection.

"This relationship marks an important milestone in the NetLibrary commitment to libraries to work toward delivering multiple forms of eContent through one source and one platform," said Rich Rosy, Corporate Vice President, NetLibrary, part of OCLC Online Computer Library Center Inc. "We are truly pleased to be partnering with an industry leader such as Recorded Books to launch our Audiobooks program."

"Our goal is to provide libraries throughout the world with a single access point to a growing and dynamic collection of electronic content, also taking into account the growing appeal of portable devices," Mr. Rosy continued. "The addition of Audiobooks to our catalog of eBooks, eJournals and databases reinforces our goal to provide libraries and their patrons with more access models, more content choices and more delivery solutions."

Since 1979, Recorded Books has been the world's premier publisher and distributor of spoken word audio in the United States and the United Kingdom. Perennial best sellers have made Recorded Books a stalwart on the Publisher's Weekly Audio Best-Seller List. Recorded Books has also produced over 1,500 children's Audiobooks and has actively promoted these titles in the school and library markets.

The NetLibrary/Recorded Books program will launch with 500 titles, including works from notable authors who regularly appear among the top 15 works on the New York Times' Hardcover Best Seller List, such as Patricia Cornwell, Alexander McCall Smith, Carl Hiassen, Elizabeth Peters, Nevada Barr, Pat Conroy, and more.

"Circulation for audio content continues to grow and libraries are constantly searching for more flexible and more cost-effective delivery solutions," said Brian Downing, Publisher, Recorded Books. "Partnering with NetLibrary will provide us with a proven technology platform, and, together, our focus will be on supporting the delivery of high-quality Audiobooks to all types of libraries."

Web-based collections of Recorded Books titles will be available for purchase through either Recorded Books or NetLibrary and will be delivered via the NetLibrary interface, already familiar to more than 12,000 libraries worldwide. Library patrons will be able to search for Audiobooks just as they would for any type of eContent in their NetLibrary collection.

NetLibrary/Recorded Books Audiobooks can be checked out and played on desktop, laptop or any number of portable devices supporting Windows Media Player (v9), Music Match (v8.2+), or Nullsoft Winamp 5 and devices that accept protected WMA files. Supported portable devices include: Creative products (excluding the Rhumba series), Rio, iRiver flash players, RCA, Dell Digital Jukebox, Gateway Juke Box, and many more.

Audiobooks from NetLibrary and Recorded Books will be available via a simplified pricing model based on library size and anticipated circulation requirements. Libraries can provide patrons with unlimited access to a collection of 500 audio content titles. New content will be added to the program over time as new titles are released. For complete pricing and product information, contact a NetLibrary representative via email at sales@NetLibrary.com.

About Recorded Books, LLC:

Recorded Books, LLC, a division of Haights Cross Communications, was founded in 1979 and is the world's largest independent publisher of unabridged Audiobooks. Recorded Books provides unabridged books on cassette and CD for consumer markets, libraries, and schools. For more information, visit www.recordedbooks.com.

Founded in 1997 and based in White Plains, New York, Haights Cross Communications is a premier educational and library publisher dedicated to creating the finest books, audio products, periodicals, software and online services, serving the following markets: K-12 supplemental education, public and school library publishing, audiobooks, and medical continuing education publishing. Haights Cross companies include: Sundance/Newbridge Educational Publishing (Northborough, MA), Triumph Learning (New York, NY), Recorded Books (Prince Frederick, MD), Chelsea House Publishers (Broomall, PA), and Oakstone Publishing (Birmingham, AL). Haights Cross investors include Great Hill Partners and CSFB (formerly DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, L.P.) For more information visit www.haightscross.com.

About OCLC

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a nonprofit organization that has provided computer-based cataloging, reference, resource sharing and preservation services to 52,000 libraries in 95 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.oclc.org.

The NetLibrary division of OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc. www.netlibrary.com helps academic, public, corporate and special libraries create a richer, more productive learning environment for their patrons. By combining the time-honored traditions of the library system with electronic publishing, NetLibrary offers an easy-to-use information retrieval system for accessing the full text of reference, scholarly, and professional books and other e-content.

NetLibrary and OCLC are trademarks/service marks of OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc.

Third-party product, service and business names are trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners.