There is a lot to go through after last week's Overdrive conference. As I go through my notes and find things that are pertinent I'll be sharing those. This was one of the more interesting sessions and confirms what some of us have talked about in recent months - audio books are popular - especially streaming audio! (at Natrona, more than half of audio circulation is streaming). Probably the biggest surprise to me is that 69% of those surveyed report that they don't anything else while listening. (I would have to think that maybe they are driving though, but that's just thought on the side...) Audio is outperforming other digital formats. For the past 11 years there has been double digit growth in audiobooks. * 53% of adults have listened to an audiobook * 57% of those are 18-41 years of age * Average number of audiobooks per year is 6.2 (of those who listen to audiobooks) * 64% of the titles are fiction * 60% listen on their smart phones * 69% do NOT do anything else while listening What that might mean for the Virtual Library of Wyoming: For our consortia audio checkouts are about 55% and the audio holds are 62% of total holds. However, our audio books are only 25% of the content if you are looking to add new content, focusing on audio books would be a good return on investment. More to come later- thanks! Kate _______________________________________________ Kate Mutch Assistant Director | Natrona County Public Library Our mission is to promote literacy, support discovery and creation, and build community. 307 E. 2nd St | Casper, WY 82601 307-237-4935 E-Mail and correspondence to and from me is subject to the Wyoming Public Records Act and may be disclosed to third parties.