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OverDrive FAQ
On this page:
- Quick list of OverDrive features
- How do I find OverDrive digital books and videos?
- What do I need to get started?
- How long does it take to download a file?
- How do I return the downloaded files?
- What happens to the digital books and videos after three weeks?
- Can I return the audiobooks or videos early?
- Can I burn OverDrive files to CD?
- Which MP3 players can I use?
- Why don't OverDrive WMA audiobooks work with iPods?
- Can I use OverDrive on my Mac?
- How can I tell which files are compatible with my Mac or iPod?
- Can I download digital books or videos 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 (requires OverDrive Media Console).
- Allows eBook downloads (requires Adobe Reader or Adobe Digital Editions).
- Allows video downloads (requires OverDrive Media Console).
- Offers CD sound quality.
- Allows transfer to a portable device.
- Some file types do 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 and videos cannot be checked in early.
- Audio book titles may be downloaded by in parts.
How do I find OverDrive digital books and videos?
All OverDrive titles 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 and videos 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 Overdrive file?
Download times will vary with the length of the book or video, and the speed of your Internet connection. To load audio book files more quickly, you may download in parts, rather than download the entire book at one time.
How do I return my audiobooks and videos?
You do not have to do anything to check your audiobooks or videos back in. After 21 days, the files become unplayable, and are then no longer considered to be checked out.
What happens to the digital books and videos after three weeks?
After the check out period expires, the file is automatically checked back in. You don't need to do anything. A copy of the digital book or video 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 audiobook 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.
OverDrive videos cannot be burned to CD.
Which MP3 players can I use?
OverDrive offers two audiobook formats: WMA and MP3. Some MP3 players are incompatible with the WMA format. Here is a list of devices compatible with OverDrive that explains which players work with which digital book formats. Make sure your MP3 player can handle subscription downloads.
Why don't OverDrive WMA Audiobooks work with iPods?
The Digital Rights Software that protects the copyright on OverDrive WMA audiobooks is incompatible with iPods. MP3 audiobooks on OverDrive do work on iPods, though.
Can I use OverDrive on my Mac?
OverDrive's MP3 Audiobook collection works on Macs. Simply choose the Mac version of Overdrive Media Console when you install the software. OverDrive eBooks use Adobe Reader, which is also compatible with Macs.
Unfortunately, the WMA Audiobooks and OverDrive Videos are incompatible, because they use a version of Windows Media Rights Management that is not available for the Mac operating system.
How can I tell which files are compatible with my Mac or iPod?
Click on the title of any OverDrive digital book to see that item. The Format Information section has icons to show you what systems the file will play on.
Can I download digital books and videos 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.