Audio books refer to human-read or computer-generated recordings of books’ content on CDs, cassette tapes or digital formats. They have become more and more popular, especially among children and among people with sight problems or other disabilities. They are used both as learning tools and as convenient and exciting ways to read books. According to some recent studies, the most frequently used purchasing method is to buy audio books online, as you save both time and energy.

Also known as books on tape, audio books are usually distributed on cassette tapes, CDs or various digital formats, such as MP3 or Windows Media Audio. The more advanced portable music players, like MP3 players or iPods, made them even more accessible and more enjoyable to people. These audio versions can be either purchased, rent or download. More often than not, people rather get them online. Nowadays, there are a lot of specialized sites, which provide a real library of books on tape. It is very efficient and energy saving to buy audio books online, especially for busy persons, as they just have to enter the site, to log in and to choose their book.

Audio books are usually considered dramatized versions of printed books, as they stress upon a complete cast, music and sound effects. Depending on the recording type, there are two main categories of books on tape: human-read and computer-generated. While the human-read versions are read by volunteers and have a more personal involvement and impact, the computer-generated versions are read by computer voices and are associated with a larger variety. The computer-generated voices used in these books are very similar to those on automated systems used by the blind people, as well as some telephone automation systems.

Audio books are very appreciated, as they are not only amazing tools, but they have also a lot of advantages. They are great time savers for multitaskers, allowing people to do other things while listening, such as driving, walking, working, riding and even waiting in line at the supermarket. They are popular when driving, too, as an alternative to radio. These books on tape are also very accessible for older, ill, recovering and disabled people, as they are an excellent and practical way to fill in their boring or unproductive moments and to bring them back the pleasure of reading. More than that, these audio books are a great opportunity for blind people, giving them the chance to experience and enjoy a wide range of popular books, stories, novels or information and helping them to improve their education, to develop new hobbies, to learn new habits and to enrich their personal and professional life. Nowadays, they have gained more and more popularity among business people, acting as ideal mentoring tools on business-related topics. Nevertheless, beside their practical advantages, there is also the entertainment side.

Books on tape are also used for education. They may range from home-schooling courses and learning meditation to language training and public speaking. They usually focus on a particular skill, but they may also aim at shifting the listener's life entirely. Audio books are also considered an exciting form of entertainment and educational alternatives for children. They are great learning tools, as they provide a large vocabulary and increase their imagination and communication skills, as well as their reading comprehension. They can be easily used to stimulate literacy and a love of learning in children. Audio versions of books help children to develop a love for information and knowledge and stimulate them to start exploring the exciting world of written books. More often than not, they are used as bedtime stories, providing a calming and relaxing atmosphere.