OverDrive FAQ
All the books I want to read are out!
OverDrive works on the one book, one user model. If a book you want to read is out you can place a hold on it, and you will receive an email when it's available for you.
Often titles featured on OverDrive's main page, and the lists on the left-hand menu, are out, because they are easy to find. To quickly find books you want to read that are available use "Advanced Search". Click on the words "Advanced search..." under the Quick Search box in the top left hand corner of OverDrive.
If you're using the App on an iPad or iPod, click "Search" and then you'll see "Advanced" on the right hand side.
Using the Advanced Search form you can specify what format you want (eg. Adobe EPUB eBook), and also tick the box next to "Only show titles with copies available", at the very bottom of the form.
The result will be a list of all currently available eBooks. If you prefer you can also choose a "Subject" (eg. Mystery), or fill in other fields in the form. Typically there are between 3,000 and 4,000 eBooks available at any time.
The due date showing in Adobe Digital Editions is not the same due date showing in "My Items Out" in OverDrive.
Adobe Digital Editions 2.0 (with a white background) no longer just shows days. It now will show full weeks for any time left greater than 6 days. This can lead to confusion as a 2 week or longer checkout will show 1 week less than expected. To see the actual due date you can right click on the title and go to Item Info. In the bottom half there is a Viewing label which will read: on any device, until {date} {time}.
Why can't I find my favourite author on OverDrive?
At this time some publishers are not agreeable to allowing libraries to lend copies of their eBooks. OverDrive negotiates with publishers to add titles to the collection. Some publishers have been inflating eBook prices, and some have limited the number of allowable checkouts. Others do not wish to have their books accessed in this way.
Publishers refusing to sell or license eBooks to libraries include Macmillian Publishing, Simon & Schuster, Penguin, Brilliance Audio and Hachette Book Group. We do welcome your suggestions, as we do for all types of materials -- so please feel free to send in a suggestion if you can't find a title you want, and we'll do our best to find it.
The eBook market is new and evolving, so stay tuned for updates. The Canadian public library community is working with publishers to find a viable solution. This recent CBC News story explains a bit more about eBooks and libraries.
The Library Dective column from May 20th, 2012 provides a more detailed explanation of the state of the eBook market.
Is my new eBook reader compatible with OverDrive?
Visit OverDrive's Device Resource Centre and check the list.
Why should I login?
The main collection in OverDrive is shared with a number of other public libraries in Ontario. We have been building an additional local collection, availble to our patrons only. When you login, OverDrive knows you are from the Thunder Bay Public Library, and will provide you access to ALL available titles.
How can I set my loan period to default to 14 days?
Login, and choose "Lending Periods" under "My Account". Set the defaults to 14 days, and click "Done".
I have installed Adobe Digital Editions, but my eBooks are not being downloaded directly to it.
The option to automatically open the file after downloading in Internet Explorer is controlled by the file association settings in Windows. You may follow the steps below to properly set the file associations for .ACSM files.
For Windows XP or older:
1. Go to Start | Control Panel | Folder Options.
2. Select the 'File Types' tab.
3. Scroll down to the "ACSM" file type.
4. Make sure that the extension is set to open with Adobe Digital Editions. If it is not, click the 'Change' button and select Adobe Digital Editions.
5. Click 'OK' as needed to save the changes and exit the open windows.
For Vista or Windows 7:
1. Go to "Start | Default Programs".
2. Click "Associate a file type or protocol with a program".
3. Scroll down to the 'ACSM' file type.
4. Make sure that the extension is set to open with Adobe Digital Editions. If it is not, click the 'Change Program' button and select Adobe Digital Editions.
5. Click 'OK' as needed to save the changes and exit the open windows.
I'm getting a "time out" error while using OverDrive.
- The time out error occurs when the download link on the website expires, and can be resolved by refreshing the web page. The downloading issue typically indicates that OverDrive Media Console is unable to connect to the Internet.
Check the following settings:
- Are you running a firewall? This can include the built in Windows firewall as well as third party applications, such as Zone Alarm or Norton Internet Security. Firewall settings may be blocking OverDrive Media Console from the internet.
- Are you running a web accelerator? If so, please disable it.
- Do you have a pop-up blocker? Please disable it, temporarily.
- Are you behind a proxy server? Authentication information can be added to the OverDrive Media Console by going to 'Tools' > 'Options'.
- Check Windows Media Player's connection. To do so, go to 'Tools' > 'Options'. Under 'Player Settings' select the option that says "Connect to the Internet."
- Do you have any parental control software installed? If so, please disable it.
Is Internet Explorer set to the default security level? To check that, please do the following:
- In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options.
- Select the Security tab and click the Internet icon.
- In the 'Security level for this zone' portion of the window, click 'Default Level' to set the level to 'Medium'.
- Click 'OK' and close the browser.
I'm travelling and getting an error on my iPad or tablet when I try to download a book.
Check the time, date and time zone settings on you device, and ensure they are correct.
I have a KoboVox and want to save "Thunder Bay Public Library" -- can I?
Yes! To "bookmark" a library, tap the greyed star next to the Library after searching for it but prior to going to the Library site to add it to your "Get Books" list, so you don't have to search for the Library again.
Can I return eBooks early?
Although eBooks are returned automatically at the end of the lending period, you can return them early if you like. This is handy if you are a fast reader and have reached your limit of five checked out items.
If you're using Adobe Digitial Editions, go to "Library View", hover your mouse over the cover of the book you want to return and click on the triangle which appears near the top left hand corner of the cover. Choose "Return borrowed item" from the drop-down menu. (Note: If you have Adobe Digital Editions 2.0, right click on the book cover and choose "return").
If you're using the App on an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch select the title and tap "Edit" then "Delete".
If you're using the App on a KoboVox, touch and hold down your finger on the title in the bookshelf view of the App. A screen will appear with the option to Delete the book. Choose "Return and Delete".
On a Sony PRS-T1 press and hold your finger on the book you want to return. A menu will appear. Touch "Return Book".
Can I download eBooks on to more than one device?
Yes, as long as the devices are authroized with the same Adobe ID. Adobe allows up to six devices/computers to be authorized with the same Adobe ID.
If you require assistance using OverDrive, please contact Joanna Aegard at 684-6819 or tbpl%23ca|jaegard
