Conclusion.

The article summarizes presentations elsewhere in the issue regarding digital audiobook systems for libraries and other institutional customers. It examines competitive audiobook services such as Audible, OverDrive, and NetLibrary that offer digital audiobooks via downloading from the Web. The article also examines distribution models including Playaway, which delivers its digital audiobooks on preloaded, self-contained portable playback devices, and TumbleTalkingBooks, which streams its content over the Internet. Potential new vendors include Ingram Library Services and Audio-Read. The article presents reasons to wait, including the iPod impasse and the fact that most systems work better if the patron is outside the library.