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Digital Downloads - OverDrive FAQ
On this page:
- Quick list of OverDrive features
- How do I find OverDrive digital books?
- What do I need to get started?
- How long does it take to download an audiobook file?
- How do I return the downloaded audiobooks?
- What happens to the digital books after three weeks?
- Can I return the audiobooks early?
- Can I burn OverDrive files to CD?
- Which MP3 players can I use?
- Why doesn't OverDrive work with iPods?
- Can I use OverDrive on my Mac?
- Can I download digital books at the library?
Quick list of OverDrive features
- Check out period = 21 days.
- Maximum number of items checked out at one time = 5.
- Allows audio book downloads.
- Allow eBook downloads.
- Offers CD sound quality.
- Allows transfer to a portable device.
- Does not work with iPods.
- Allows burning to CD for select titles.
- Able to place reserves on titles that are checked out.
- No renewals.
- Titles are automatically checked in. Ebooks can be checked in early. Audio books cannot be checked in early.
- Titles may be downloaded by chapter or part.
How do I find OverDrive digital books?
All digital books are listed in our catalog, so you can search for your favorite title, author or subject in the catalog. OverDrive also allows you to browse their collections. If you want to browse, go directly to OverDrive.
What do I need to get started?
To get started, you'll need your library card, a computer at home or work, and free software. Software requirements for audio books are:
OverDrive Media Console, Windows Media Player version 9+
Software requirements for ebooks are:
Adobe Reader, version 6 or 7. Version 8 does not work with OverDrive ebooks. If you have installed version 8, please uninstall it, return to the Adobe Downloads page, and install version 7. You may have to activate your copy of Adobe Reader before downloading your ebook. Here are instructions for activating Adobe Reader:
- Open Adobe Reader
- Click on File
- Select Digital Editions
- Select Activate copy
- Follow on screen instructions on the Adobe web site
How long does it take to download an audiobook file?
Download times will vary with the length of the book and the speed of your Internet connection. To load files load faster, you may download in parts, rather than download the entire book at one time.
How do I return my digital audiobooks?
You do not have to do anything to check your audiobooks back in. After 21 days, your audiobooks become unplayable, and are then no longer considered to be checked out.
What happens to the digital books after three weeks?
After the check out period expires, the digital book is automatically checked back in. You don't need to do anything to return the book. A copy of the digital book file will remain on your computer and any device if you have transferred it. The copy will not open or play after three weeks. You can delete the copy just like you would delete a file from your computer.
Can I return my audiobooks early?
No. You can delete the files from your computer at any time, but they will still be considered "checked out" to you for 21 days.
Can I burn OverDrive files to CD?
Some OverDrive titles may be burned to CD. On the title record page, look for the section called "Digital Rights Information." The title may be burned to CD if you see this line:
This title can be burned to CD during the lending period.
Which MP3 players can I use?
Here is a list of devices compatible with OverDrive that explains which MP3 players work with OverDrive digital books . Make sure your MP3 player can handle subscription downloads.
Why doesn't OverDrive work with iPods?
The Digital Rights Software that protects the copyright on OverDrive audiobooks is incompatible with iPods. Right now there are no digital book download systems available for libraries that work with iPods.
Can I use OverDrive on my Mac?
Although some Macs can run Windows Media Player, OverDrive does not work with Macs because it uses Windows Media Rights Manager version 2.x, while Windows Media Player for Macs uses version 1.3 this means the Overdrive Media Console that downloads and plays the digital book files will not work on a Mac.
Can I download digital books at the library?
No, not at this time. To download from home or work, all you need is a computer with Internet access and your library card.