Audiobook Device on New Player

-- Library Journal, 01/25/2006

Libraries generally don't like lending devices like digital audio players that users must load with content, but innovation has brought us the Playaway, the first self-playing digital audio player. The Playway, from the Cleveland-based company Findaway World emerged in mid-2005 as a consumer device, but several libraries, such as the Cleveland Public Library and the Cuyahoga County Public Library, have chosen to offer it to patrons. Carlos Latimer, director of Cleveland's AV department, told LJ that the Playaway appeals to older patrons who haven't embraced the library's more complicated downloadable audio offerings. The main grouse: "they're looking for more titles." Only a few dozen titles are available so far from the company, and Cleveland PL bought 15 copies each of 27 titles.

The Playaway, about the size of a deck of cards, comes with earbud headphones, and the library ordered an additional supply to give out. Patrons are asked to keep the headphones, and the Playaway will work with headphones that connect to other devices. The cost: between $30-$45, which is more expensive than some audio CD collections and downloadable audio, but less than cassettes. As for security, a foam insert helps the Playaway fit in the library's existing secure cases.