From German to Swahili, self-study materials for over 25 languages are available for download through Navy Knowledge Online by all active duty, retired, reserve, and dependent members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. 

"The downloadable Audio Book program is made available through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation funding," said Nellie Moffitt, the head of the Navy General Library Program in an interview Jan. 3. 

"Giving sailors the opportunity to practice their language skills and if they improve, they get money for this new skill, improves their morale.  Of the more than 40 languages on the 'Approved DoD Strategic Language List for FY07,' nearly all are in the collection."

Although the online library is an MWR initiative, the implications for mission readiness are also important to active duty personnel. 

"The Navy has become more technically sophisticated, as well as more demanding for cultural/linguistic understanding of adversaries and allies," said Captain Connie Frizzell, commanding officer of the Center for Information Dominance (CID).  CID houses the Center for Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture (CLREC), and remains at the forefront of language training throughout the service.

Currently, the online library houses over 8,000 audio books, 400 eBooks, 600 videos, and 1,400 albums.  Over 400 titles were selected specifically for children.  New titles are added to the library regularly, in categories ranging from "classic literature" and "juvenile fiction" to "business and finance" or "comic and graphic books."

To access the Audio Books program, log into www.nko.navy.mil click on the link to "Navy Library Econtent" on the right side of the page under the "reference" section.  Next, click on the banner that reads "Download eBooks, Audio Books, Music, and Video," to access the myriad of titles available.  A user account must be established within Econtent to check out materials.
 
There are several guidelines for use of the library. Titles are served through the Overdrive Media Console, and so cannot be downloaded to Navy computers, or used on iPods, Macs, or Zunes.  Items may be downloaded to personal computers, non-iPod listening devices, or even CD's.
 
Five items may be downloaded at a time.  Due to high customer demand, all Audio Book and music titles are available to the user for 10 days, and video titles may be checked out for five days; after that period, the title must be checked out again.

For more information or to establish an account, visit Navy Knowledge Online at www.nko.navy.mil.