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1. What is OverDrive?
OverDrive is a leading download service for digital content such as
eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital materials made available on a
single website for browsing, checking out, and downloading.
2. What is available through OverDrive?
WPPL is beginning the service with a core collection of
books and audiobooks and will build the collection over time as
funds allow.
3. How can I find downloadable OverDrive materials?
Initially, OverDrive materials can be found by searching
WPPL’s OverDrive catalog accessible at http://wppl.lib.overdrive.com.
There will also be a link on our homepage at
www.wppl.org and at
www.wppl.org/downloadablemedia
.Soon our downloadable media will be fully searchable through the
Library’s own catalog.
4. Who selects the titles?
At this time, eBooks and downloadable audiobooks for adults
are selected by Library Director Bob Melanson. Titles for children
and tween/teens are selected by Children’s Librarian Shanna Kuster
and Young Adult Librarian Lisa Blue.
5. Can I request a title to be ordered?
No. Due to budget constraints, the Library is unable to
fulfill requests for downloadables. Those who donated to the
Downloadable Media Fundraising Campaign were permitted to request a
title. If a you would like to make a gift to the Downloadable Media
Fund to help keep the service going and buy additional titles,
donation cards will be available at Circulation and Reference; there
is a space on the donation card that allows that patron to request a
title. You can also give at http://www.wppl.org/support/doubledonors.html
.
6. Did WPPL buy this service?
Yes. This project was funded solely through community
donations designated specifically for this purpose. If a patron
would like to make a gift to the Downloadable media fund to help
keep the service going and buy additional titles, donation cards
will be available at Circulation and Reference.
7. Can I download titles while in the Library?
For security reasons OverDrive software is not installed on
any of the Library computers used by the public. The software is
required to get the titles on e-readers. However, you can download
directly onto smartphones and many tablet computers using the
OverDrive app and the Library's wireless connection. You can also
use the Library's wireless to download directly onto your personal
laptops that you've equipped with the OverDrive software.
8. How many eBooks can be checked out at a time?
Two items can be checked out to you at one time (so you can
have two eBooks or two audiobooks or one of each).
9. How long is the check out period?
Patrons can select either a one or two week check-out
period. The default is one week. Patrons using the OverDrive app on
their phone or tablet computer cannot adjust the check-out period
and will be limited to the default of 7 days.
10. Can downloaded books be renewed?
No, but if there isn’t a waiting list, a patron can
immediately check the item out again.
11. What happens when an item is due?
For eBooks, they simply expire. For audiobooks burned to a
CD or transferred to an iPod, etc., OverDrive relies on an honor
system: patrons are expected to delete or erase the item. OverDrive
recommends using a rewritable CD for audiobooks.
12. Can I return an item early?
Downloadable eBooks can be returned early, but downloadable
audiobooks cannot. We will strongly encourage patrons and staff to
return eBooks as soon as they have finished them to make them
available for the next patron.
13. Are there overdue fees for downloadable media?
No, because the downloaded copies expire (even when they
are transferred to an eReader or mobile device).
14. I had an eBook on hold but never checked it out. Will I be
charged?
No. We only charge fees for physical items (print, DVD,
CD, etc.).
15. Can I print from an eBook?
Some titles permit printing, but not all (due to copyright
issues).
16. Can I change the order of my Wish List queue?
No. Items can be added or deleted but not reordered.
17. Which eReader devices are compatible with OverDrive?
A complete list of all compatible devices can be found
here:
http://www.OverDrive.com/resources/drc/
(Kindle is the only common eReader that is not currently
compatible with OverDrive, but that will change in late 2011;
OverDrive will let us know when Kindle service is available.)
18. Where is the downloadable music and video?
While OverDrive does offer music and video for download, we
are not offering those materials at this time.
19. Why are there so many current bestsellers not
included in the downloadable collection?
The primary reason bestselling titles are missing is that
they are not available in eBook format via OverDrive. Each publisher
determines what titles it will release in eBook format and make
available to the various eBook vendors. Sometimes there is a delay
between when a book is available via for-profit eBook providers
(Nook, Kobo, Kindle, Audible.com, etc.) and when items are available
via OverDrive.
20. Will the Library order additional copies of
bestsellers and items with lots of holds?
Due to current budget restraints, we will not be able to
order multiple copies of items for the time being.
21. What about older titles and classics?
At this time, we don't have the budget to go back and order
copies of older books. However, as part of the OverDrive service, we
gain access to over 33,600 titles that are in Project Gutenberg, an
effort to digitize books out of copyright, and that includes most of
the classics. These books are available by clicking in the box
labeled "Additional eBooks. Always available." on the right side of
the WPPL OverDrive site. These titles do not count against your
downloadable limit of two. There are an infinite number of copies
available. They never expire or delete themselves from patrons'
devices.
22.
Why does having an item I've placed
on hold waiting for me at the Library prevent me from checking out a
downloadable item?
We know this is frustrating but it's a limitation of our
circulation software we are unable to circumvent. The note
automatically placed on your account that tells you your held item
is waiting for you (and also triggers the phone call or e-mail
alerting you to the fact) also stops OverDrive from allowing the
download. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes you.
23.
Why isn't this service available to
your reciprocal card holders?
Unfortunately, downloadable eBooks and audiobooks are a
SERVICE not covered by the reciprocal BORROWING agreements we have
signed with the Orange County Library System and Maitland Public
Library. The terms of the agreements give reciprocal cardholders the
right to borrow materials but do not cover the use of services. A
full service WPPL card is a GREAT VALUE at just $125 for a year --
that's only $10.42 per month (less than the cost of ONE new
downloadable title for a Nook or a Kindle).In addition to
downloadable eBooks and audiobooks, a full service card gives you up
to two hours of Internet time and software access on Library
computers as well as other services such as placing items on hold
and requesting items for purchase. For those for whom the Orange
County Library System is their home library, the OverDrive service
is available at http://ocls.lib.overdrive.com.
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