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Free Downloadable Video Now Available at the Boston Public Library

Posted on: Monday, 1 May 2006, 12:00 CDT

Today, the Boston Public Library (BPL) became the first public library in New England to offer free downloadable video to the public through OverDrive, the Library's digital media solutions provider. BPL patrons now have 24-hour access to a growing collection of feature films, movie classics, educational videos, concerts, travelogues, TV programs, and more. Boston Public Library cardholders can access the downloadable video feature online at www.bpl.org.

Boston Public Library users can choose from a collection of more than 100 video titles, which are available for simultaneous use. The Library will be acquiring additional titles from OverDrive on an ongoing basis, based on demand and use. OverDrive also plans to add video titles from the A&E cable network, as well as popular sporting events, to their downloadable video collection soon.

"We're excited to be among the first libraries to offer this wonderful service," said Boston Public Library President Bernard Margolis. "The number of online users we serve and the need for downloadable content continues to grow rapidly, so we're constantly looking for new ways to meet that demand."

Downloadable video is just one of many features recently added to the Boston Public Library's menu of online resources. In addition to video, the Library also offers eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and music, with more than 3,000 titles in its collection; hundreds of electronic databases; 24 hour/7 day a week online reference help; online book reserves; and more. The Boston Public Library's website receives an average of 12 million hits per month.

Users can download videos to their personal Windows-based PC, notebook, or portable media player from home or while in the library, but items cannot be downloaded to the Library's computers. The videos are copy protected using Microsoft Windows Media Rights Manager, which restricts file sharing and rights to view the movie after the lending period is over. Users never need to "return" the downloaded videos, as they automatically reset themselves in the library's catalog when due.

OverDrive's downloadable video is a broadband service, not recommended for users with dial-up internet connections. It also utilizes copyright protection technology from Microsoft Corporation, which Apple Corporation products do not currently support.

For more information on this new service or to schedule a demonstration, please call 617-859-2212 or email Alexandra Merceron at amerceron@bpl.org.

 For more information: Alexandra Merceron 617-859-2212 Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=6683741492333102  

SOURCE: OverDrive, Inc.

Source: MARKET WIRE

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