Library Launches Downloads

Loudoun Is 1st N.Va. System to Offer Video on Demand

The Loudoun County library system began offering online books to its patrons in 2000. Two years ago, it put audio books online for downloading onto an iPod.

It reached another digital milestone this week, becoming the first library system in Northern Virginia to offer MyLibraryDV, a video-on-demand service that allows library card holders to download hundreds of hours of video.

The free service includes more than 1,100 video titles -- movies, travel guides, documentaries, TV programs and children's entertainment. All that's needed to access them is a library account and a high-speed Internet connection.

The programs are offered through Recorded Books, a company based in Prince Frederick, Md., which began publishing audio books in 1979. In February the company launched MyLibraryDV, which it has marketed to libraries across the country.

Nearly 500 library branches nationwide have contracted to use the service, including those in Anne Arundel, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties, said Matt Walker, national sales director for Recorded Books. Arlington and Fairfax counties are considering registering, he said.

"Our lives are so hectic now. With this service, it's like your library's doors are always open," Walker said.

Linda Holtslander, division manager of the Loudoun County Public Library system, said the convenience of the service prompted Loudoun officials to sign up for it when approached by Recorded Books.

"MyLibraryDV allows the library to offer a broad range of high-demand programs that give our customers a quality video experience without the wait associated with copies borrowed from the branches," Holtslander said.

The time it takes to download a program depends on the program's length, the Internet connection and the hardware configuration of the computer, Walker said. Once a program has been downloaded, it remains on the library patron's computer for seven days. After the seven-day checkout period, it is automatically deleted.

The available movies include classic films and recent Hollywood blockbusters. No more than one movie may be checked out every 24 hours. In some cases, users may have to wait to download a movie because the library has limited the number of movie downloads. The download limit is reset every Thursday.

In addition to movies and TV programs such as "Antiques Roadshow," card holders will be able to download videos of authors speaking at Loudoun libraries and of other community programs, Holtslander said.

They can also download instructional videos on such topics as fitness, gardening, home repairs and cooking.

"If someone is really into cooking, they can download the video, buy the ingredients and then come back and make the meal," Walker said. Users can have up to 10 programs downloaded at one time.

MyLibraryDV's collection is constantly growing as titles are added, Walker said.

"The beauty of this service is that you don't have to leave your home, you don't have to worry about losing [a video] and you don't have to worry about returning it," Walker said. "It's free, and it's always available."

By Arianne Aryanpur

Washington Post