NCLA Con 2025

As demand for digital resources grows, academic libraries are increasingly turning to audiobooks to support accessibility, engagement, and leisure reading. This panel brings together academic librarians from different institutions to share their experiences in adopting and integrating audiobooks into their campus communities. Panelists will discuss their motivations for introducing audiobooks, including expanding genre fiction collections, supporting distance learners, and engaging busy students who may not have time for traditional reading. They will also share insights into their selection processes, platform choices, funding and cost strategies, and the behind-the-scenes work of maintaining and promoting audiobook collections. Attendees will gain practical takeaways on how to implement or expand audiobook services, troubleshoot common challenges, and align audiobook offerings with broader library and institutional goals. Whether you're considering audiobooks for the first time or looking to optimize an existing collection, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives from librarians navigating similar journeys.