Internet Branch

Overdrive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this collection?

A collection of bestseller text eBooks (presented in either Adobe or Mobipocket format) and audio eBooks (presented in Windows Media format). The Library's new Audio eBook collection includes bestsellers and classics, fiction and non-fiction. You'll find popular titles by writers such as Amy Tan, as well as travel guides, non-fiction, and biographies.

What are the policies related to these eBooks?

You can have up to 5 eBooks checked out at any given time.
The borrowing period for eBooks is 21 days.
You can have up to 10 eBooks on hold at a time.
Best of all, eBooks are automatically returned, so there are never
any late fees!

What portable devices and systems are supported?

Adobe Reader runs on many Windows and some Macintosh
computers, as well as on many PDAs.
Mobipocket runs on Windows computers as well as SmartPhones
and most PDAs.
A list of devices that support Windows Media Format (for the audio
books) can be found on Microsoft's Windows Media Site.
Note: The Apple iPod is not supported at this time.

How do I select eBooks to read or listen to?

Browse and search the eBook collection at OverDrive.
  You can browse fiction and non-fiction, and
search by keyword, title, author, format, and more.
Add your selections to “My BookBag” then click on the “Proceed to
Checkout” link.
Enter your library card number, without spaces.
Click on the “Download” button to begin the download process.

Can I place a hold on titles that are checked out?

Yes! If an eBook is not available, you can be added to the waitlist. You
will be notified by e-mail when it’s available. Once an e-mail has been
sent notifying you that a hold is available, the eBook will be held for you
for 48 hours (2 days).

How can I download an eBook to my PC or Mac?

You will need to download and install the latest version of the free Adobe
Reader software. Even if you already have Adobe Reader software, make
sure you have Adobe Reader 6.
You will also be required to activate Adobe Reader. Adobe Reader “Easy
Activation” happens the first time you download and open an eBook, and
allows users to read eBooks on that computer. Adobe Reader “Named
Activation” requires name and email information, and allows users to
access Adobe eBooks on multiple devices.
Adobe Reader should open automatically. When the download is complete,
you will be able to read the eBook right away.
Adobe eBooks are stored in your Adobe Reader’s “Bookshelf.” You don’t
need to be connected to the Internet to read eBooks in your Bookshelf.
The books you check out from the library will appear with a clock symbol
in the upper right corner. Double click an eBook to begin reading.

How can I download an eBook to my PDA with Mobipocket?

You will need to download and install the free Mobipocket Reader
application on your device. Refer to your owner’s manual to install PDA
applications.
Mobipocket requires that you register the PID (Personal Identification
Number) for up to three devices at the eBook site.
When the download is complete, click “Open.”
The Mobipocket Reader for PC includes a “Send to PDA” option that
enables the smooth transfer of titles to any supported PDA.
All of the Mobipocket eBooks you have loaded on your PDA are accessible
from the “Library” icon.

How can I download an audio eBook to my portable audio player?

You will need to download and install the free OverDrive Media Console on
your computer.
The first time you use the OverDrive Media Console, you must upgrade
the security of your Windows Media Player. This upgrades the Digital
Rights Management components.
After you click on “Download”, the OverDrive Media Console will open and
ask you to specify a download location (or leave the default file path) and
click “OK.”
In the “Download Part(s)” dialog box, choose which book part(s) you
would like to download by placing a checkmark next to the desired part(s),
then click the “OK” button.
When the book has finished downloading, click the “Play” button in
OverDrive Media Console. The “OverDrive Media Explorer™” window is
displayed and the file will play.
To transfer the file to a portable device (e.g. audio player) go to the
OverDrive Media Console, highlight a book and click the “Transfer/burn”
button.
Windows Media Player will open. You need to be running Windows Media
Player 9 series or higher. Depending on your version of Windows Media
Player, the next steps will vary. You will need to turn off skin mode if
necessary, choose which parts of the book you want to transfer, and then
click on “Copy” or “Start Sync.”

How can I burn CDs of the audio eBooks?

In OverDrive Media Console, highlight a book and click the “Transfer/burn”
button.
Windows Media Player opens.
Turn off skin mode if necessary, and click the “Copy to CD or Device”
button.
Depending on your version of Windows Media Player, the next steps will
vary. You will need to choose which parts of the book you want to transfer
and then click on “Copy to CD or Device” or “Start Burn.”