Rosetta Stone offered through our public library

[klpca]

I never go to our library. I have my Kindle books and my Audible books so I haven't seen the need to go in a long time. Today I received the e-newsletter from the library, and I'm kind of impressed. Here's the first part:

The popular Rosetta Stone language learning program is among the newest Library online offerings available on August 1. Rosetta Stone, available through the Library’s website using your Library card, offers a fast and fun way to learn a variety of languages.

Also now available is Zinio with access to digital magazines from around the world. There are a variety of other valuable, free databases and online resources that can help you explore your genealogy, find answers to health questions, complete a science project or plan a home improvement project.

A new graphical interface makes finding and using these resources easier. Library eCollection materials can be read online or downloaded to your home computer or portable device. Find a list of these free online resources here.

They have also partnered with a local museum, and you can "check out" museum passes through the library that work just like member passes. I'm loving this!

 

[Ironwood]

I was looking over some of the Rosetta Stone packages at a big box bookstore the other day, and I was shocked at the pricing of the learning CD kit. It seems every second ad I see on TV is Rosetta Stone, so I guess that advertising budget has to be paid for! Loved this one, but the ad was pulled!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u8ukVzujNo

 

[isisdave]

Which library is that, klpca? By Googling I learned that San Francisco has had Rosetta Stone for a couple years, and it becomes available in Sacramento today.

Most Californians don't know that they can associate with almost every California library, most without fees. I belong to my local City library and thus automatically to the Riverside-San Bernardino county library system, but we've joined the Carlsbad (and thus the San Diego County system), Los Angeles city, San Francisco, and Sacramento libraries, mostly to avail ourselves of digital offerings or specific genealogical collections.

And you can usually get privileges at public university libraries. Usually there is a fee for that, or you have to belong to the alumni association or something (even if you're not an alum).

Do other states have similar generous privileges?

 

[klpca]

This is through the San Diego library.

My husband and I try to sign up for a language class through our local adult school before we travel to another country, but he's going to try Rosetta Stone next time.

I did alright in our Italian class, but I couldn't get the hang of German. My husband does much better than I with the foreign languages.

 

[zinger1457]

Rosetta Stone was made available to all employees when I worked for DOD, I gave it a try but didn't like it. Their 'total immersion' method is not to translate anything, they show a photo and an audio clip in the native language. Initially when doing individual words or combining a couple words it was straight forward enough. When they start talking in sentences it was possible to interpret some of the photos in different ways so it wasn't always clear what the native speaker was saying. And there is no option to see an English translation to clarify any confusion you might have. Found it very frustrating to use but it was a few years ago, hopefully it's a better product now.

My local library doesn't offer Rosetta Stone yet but they do have a couple other language programs you can use online.

 

[Conan]

I prefer Pimsleur. It's purely auditory (no pictures) so it works well while driving.
It's very pricey though....