Audio books, also known as books on tape, refer to the audio versions of printed books. They are usually distributed on cassette tapes, on CDs, on MP3 CDs, on DVDs or on downloadable versions. The most common practice, as far as purchasing in concerned, is to buy audio books online, from specialized web stores.



The online ordering process is very effective and time saving. People just have to enter the site and to fill in contact information, such as email address and telephone number, financial information, like credit card numbers, expiration dates and CVV security codes, as well as shipping address information. More often than not, customers use online order forms to purchase, to rent or to download audio books to their PCs or audio players. Downloads are usually the least expensive, and sometimes even free, depending on the website specific and on the type of book searched. Books on tape are also very accessible to rent. Many companies offer a subscription-based service where customers can have access to an unlimited number of rentals for a low monthly fee. People can try thus new books and genres with no risk. Other net libraries allow users to create a personal account and then to buy audio books online.

Most of the specialized sites provide audio book libraries, which cover a wide range of titles and genres to fit all the preferences and needs. When customers visit these sites, they may search in the database by author name, title, language or words in the full text of the e-Book. If someone enjoys fiction, he/she just has to make a simple search and he/she will find for sure a variety of websites that offer downloads of the most popular fiction audio books. If, on the contrary, someone enjoys history, he/she will certainly find many websites that specialize in great history writings.

For children, there are hundreds of educational audio books to supplement their learning, fairy tales or fun filled books to entertain and fill in their free time. There are also stories to teach them important life lessons. Websites are constantly adding new and exciting titles to their list of selections, and they even distribute Audio File magazines to promote them. The most common genres available on the market, as far as books on tape is concerned, include Biography, Fiction, Comedy, Children, Classics, Non-Fiction, Crime, Bestsellers, Business and Courses. Therefore, these books on tape are not strictly related to complete books. There are a lot of things that can be put in the audio format, like crib notes, speeches, courses and lectures.

Audio books are considered both learning and entertainment tools. They are widely used as teaching material, as well as an exciting form of entertainment and educational alternatives, especially for children. In the modern world, where people are always in a hurry, they seem the best alternative to read more books and to keep doing their normal activities. These books on tape are very accessible for people who want to do their daily activities while listening. The fact that they may buy audio books online is even more encouraging. More and more people use them to pass the time and to enjoy a large variety of titles and genres, but also to improve their education, to develop new hobbies, to learn new habits and to enrich their personal and professional life.

The popularity of audio tapes has greatly increased, as they are more accessible to people for portable listening. People rather buy audio books online than going to the local library or bookstore. Downloading or ordering the newest titles at home, through library download programs, which have experienced a rapid growth, has become more convenient and more time or energy saving.