Music for free
Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor
The Marigold Library is reaching out and once again expanding into cyberspace. Their TRAC program is offering an awesome new music download site with all kinds of up-to-date music. Patrons can access it for free, for just the price of a library card.
“The library is not just about books, it is a place for educational, recreational and leisure. With music it is something you can explore,” said Laura Taylor, Marigold Assistant Director. “Sometimes it is a way to get someone who doesn’t use the library through the doors and get them to see what all is available at the library.”
The Freegal (Free and legal) Sony music site will be available starting Oct.1.
“With this you can explore and discover things that you may think twice about downloading if you had to pay for it,” said Taylor.
The site interface is clean and user friendly, downloads are quick and transferable to your MP3 or IPhone. Patrons can download up to three songs per week and they are yours to keep forever. To download to your iPhone, you will need to purchase a Freegal APP. The song library is compatible with your iTunes library. Access is gained through the www.marigold.ab.ca/eresources address.
Taylor said she discovered the program at a library conference and thought it would appeal to teens and young adults, as well as the regular users.
“Several library systems were presenting on this resource and they said how it really brought a certain demographic into the library. Studies showed that some people left the library at a certain age and came back to the library when they had children,” said Taylor.
Since it is all online, there are no interlibrary loan processes or cd jewel boxes to return. This feature means that all libraries within the Marigold system get equal access for their patrons. The feature is also offered by Edmonton and Fort McMurray library systems, but it is not available at the Calgary Library system at this time.
She felt it would be a great addition to the Marigold fold. Marigold also offers many programs like eBooks, interactive video conferencing, language lessons, and employment aids access to specialty internet sites.