[I] [Publib] Playaway digital audio

[Preslar, Gail]

  M Gail Preslar, mls                    voice: 423-229-6117
  Business Library, B280
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-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of John
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 4:51 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [I] [Publib] Playaway digital audio

We have, through a regional system grant, purchased between 40 and 50
Playaways; they are popular.  Patrons have expressed approval, and the
circ stats are good, for a relatively new medium.  In this year's
working budget, therefore, I put a line for Playaways.  No problems with
Playaways...so far.

But when talking to several staff members--who are much better at
reading, say, articles in Publishers Weekly (and also looking at the
advertising in such publications) than I am--the other staff said that
advertising and promotion of Playaway audio was almost non-existent.
Yes, an article here and there, but nothing like the hoopla that has
accompanied e-books, now and again.  They (staff) thought it rather
puzzling, which led to speculation about the future of Playaways, which
have gone over MUCH better than downloadable e-books, and whether or not
we can *believe* that Playaways are worth investing in.

While I only skim through PW articles and ads, I do read LJ and AL, and
I haven't noticed much coverage of Playaway technology.  Is there anyone
with a crystal ball out there?  Has anyone noticed the same thing that
staff and I have seen, or *not* seen, as the case may be?  Anything that
might lead us to believe that Playaways will be as fleeting as 8-track
tapes or betamax?  Just curious about perceptions.  We'll spend the
budgeted money, I'm quite sure, but I'm attempting to ponder the long
term--if that can be done anymore in the world of media and technology.

John D. Richmond, Director
Alpha Park Public Library District
3527 So. Airport Road
Bartonville, IL 61607-1799
Ph: (309) 697-3822, x. 12
Fax: 697-9681
E-mail: jrichmond at alphapark.org
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