Library cardholders can stream music from a free online catalog of more than nine million songs and 28,000 music labels through The Indianapolis Public Library’s web branch at indypl.org.
Provided by Freegal, a free and legal downloadable music service, this new capability offers an alternative to such services as Pandora and Spotify and allows patrons to stream up to three hours of ad-free music per day. Individual songs or entire albums from various genres can be streamed, and users can create and customize as many playlists as they like. While music is playing, a timer will keep track of a user’s time limit.
In addition to accessing through the library’s website, the Freegal app is available for iOS devices on the iTunes App Store and for Android devices on the Google Play Store. Users must sign in to the app with their library card and PIN numbers.
“This service follows the Library’s new strategic direction in making more resources available for patrons,” stated Michael Perry, Indianapolis Public Library’s electronic resources librarian. “Adapting our products to meet the demands of today’s tech-savvy users, especially young people, keeps the Library relevant and current as an information resource provider.”
The Freegal service already allows up to five downloads of music per week, which patrons can keep. In addition, music videos can be downloaded. However, each video download counts as two downloads.
In 2014, the library introduced the free streaming of feature films, foreign films, award-winning documentaries, children’s movies and popular TV series through the library’s web branch. Videos can be checked out for up to seven days, after which they automatically expire.
Beyond books and other physical formats, library patrons can access an increasing palette of digital resources that include eBooks, e-audiobooks, e-videos, e-magazines, historical digital collections and a large collection of research databases. The library’s new Strategic Plan calls for continued development of engaging content and new formats that can result in positive user experiences.
The library’s gateway for Freegal streaming media and other e-media is indypl.org/download-or-stream.