Toolkit: OverDrive
OverDrive allows patrons to browse, check out, and download audiobooks and eBooks. It is a collection of popular titles in digital formats that are available anytime, anywhere. Promotional materials are listed at the bottom of the page.
Wondering how to use OverDrive? Watch the Browse, Check Out and Download! video tutorial.
What is an OverDrive Audiobook?
An audiobook is a digital version of a recorded reading of a book. An OverDrive Audiobook is a digitallyprotected audiobook that has been optimized for download.
OverDrive Audiobooks come in two formats, MP3 (DRM-free) and WMA (Windows Media Audio). All OverDrive Audiobooks are divided into parts for easy downloading and, depending on publisher permission, may be burned to CD and/or transferred to supported portable devices.
In comparison, both WMA and MP3 audiobooks offer a superior listening experience, yet there are some differences:
Window compatible
Windows/Mac compatible
Transfer to Apple devices (some titles)
Transfer to WMA devicesTransfer to Apple devices
Transfer to WMA/MP3 devices
Transfer to many cell phonesSmaller files
Larger files
Faster download times
Longer download times
What is an eBook?
An eBook, short for ‘electronic book,’ is a book in digital format. It can be any published book that is formatted for viewing on a computer screen or on a growing list of portable devices. Like all of the media in your library’s digital collection, you browse for eBooks online and then download to read them offline! You don’t have to be connected to the Internet to read an eBook. Plus, like all digital formats, reading eBooks requires the Adobe Digital Editions free software, which is easy to use and available on the website. Please note, the Adobe Digital Editions does require the user to activate their computer the first time the software opens. This will require creating an Adobe account.
Traditional document appearance
New industry standard for eBooks
Ideal for graphic novels
Designed for mobile reading
Text cannot be resized
Reflowable text to fit any size size
Most can be read on the Sony Reader
Supports interactive graphics
Optimized for the Sony Reader
What is OverDrive Media Console?
OverDrive Media Console is free and easy-to-use software that handles all aspects of your download audiobook, music and video experience.
Available for both Windows and Mac (late 2008), OverDrive Media Console provides easy navigation, including a point-and-click scroll bar, jump back 15 seconds, and bookmarking, as well as adjustable playback speed. It also includes a Transfer Wizard that allows you to transfer titles to your supported portable device in just a few clicks and a Burn Wizard for easy burning to CD.
What are Digital Rights?
Every digital file has digital rights - or permissions - set by the publisher. In OverDrive, users can view the digital rights for any title by clicking on the title cover. These permissions describe what a user can do with the title affter the download. For example: burn to a CD; transfer to a portable device such as an iPod or MP3 player; copy or print eBooks. Remember, all copies must be deleted and/or destroyed once the loan period on a title has expired.
For more Frequently Asked Questions about OverDrive, visit the Digital Help section.
Promotional Materials
Click on the following links to download materials to use in your library.
OverDrive Download Station Sign
For libraries that use the OverDrive Download Station on their public computers, print this sign and place on the monitor for promotion. If you would like more information on the ODS, contact Stephanie Thero at ext. 224.