OverDrive

Just never got started with OverDrive?

Why not try it now?

While diving in and just plain using OverDrive yourself to request, borrow, read, and return items is probably the best way to learn it, there are free webcasts available that can help to introduce you to it and/or Libby:

https://resources.overdrive.com/library/staff-training/#live-webcasts

There are several tabs for different subjects — some are upcoming live webcasts, but most are recorded and can be viewed at any time.  The webcasts generally range from 10 to 30 minutes.

If you’re new to OverDrive, you can safely skip anything about Marketplace — it’s basically the store where libraries (or consortia) purchase titles for patrons to borrow.

Christy @ McKeesport

Continue ReadingJust never got started with OverDrive?

Your Reading History in Libby

Have you recently been stumped by something really simple?

Take Libby — so straightforward compared to the Overdrive app.

Heck if I could find my reading history, though.

Maybe because I haven’t had to click around 500 times to find the book I just borrowed; maybe because it is so simple to just start reading;  maybe because Libby keeps it simple and ALL activity (current loans, returns, and holds) is in one place.  I think I was looking for the word ‘history’ and missed the word ‘activity’ altogether.

For your READING HISTORY in Libby,

  • Shelf (lower right)
  • Activity (top menu bar)
  • Ta-da — hiding in plain sight.
    • Choose the circle with three dots inside to stop or start recording your history or to clear your entire history.

 

— Christy Barowich, Carnegie Library of McKeesport

 

libby how to find reading activity

 

Continue ReadingYour Reading History in Libby

Why I Like Libby!

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I was reluctant to try Overdrive’s new app, Libby, for two reasons. First of all, I thought the Overdrive app was pretty good, and secondly, I don’t like change! But now that I’ve tried it out, I note several improvements which give it an edge over the classic app.

  1. Easy toggle between “Library” and “Shelf.” This is NUMBER ONE for sure. I don’t know how many patrons I have assisted who can’t figure out how to find their library or their checkouts in the classic app, and I have to explain about the “hamburger menu” and toggling back and forth. This easy, instant tap makes it worth it for me in and of itself.
  2. Multiple library card option. For families sharing one device, this is a really nice feature. Johnny can look at his books, and then switch to Mary’s checkouts when she’s using it without having to log out & in again. Brilliant.
  3. Quick click on current read. That audiobook I was listening to is front and center, no matter where I am in the app. AND I might mention, it’ll keep playing in the background while I look for & check out the next title in the series.
  4. Speedy Gonzales! I don’t know if it’s just me, but the response and refresh speeds seem much improved with Libby.
  5. Automatic downloads. Yes. This feature makes me wonder – why did they make us go to our checkouts to download stuff in the first place? If I’m checking it out on this device, I probably want to read it on this device. And now. Note that this feature can be turned off for larger downloads or be reserved for Wi-Fi connection only, for those who are out & about and don’t want to use up their mobile data.

All these features I found on my own within a few minutes of using the app. I’m sure there is even more shiny to be discovered with use, and I encourage all those who, like me, don’t like change – give Libby a chance!

Heather Auman
Western Allegheny Community Library

Continue ReadingWhy I Like Libby!

And Speaking of OverDrive

There’s now an option for our users to view the OverDrive website in two additional languages. Using either the drop-down menu on the upper right side of the page or the Language list on the lower right, English, Spanish or Chinese can be selected.

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As you can see in these screen shots, this does not limit searching to non-English materials, it simply provides translations of some of the text that appears on the website itself.

To find materials created in languages other than English, use the Advanced Search and select a specific language from the Languages menu.

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As OverDrive’s offerings continue to expand, we’ll be looking for more feedback about what languages our users would like to see represented and making sure that we continue to support the diverse needs and interests of our users.

 

Lisa

CLP

Continue ReadingAnd Speaking of OverDrive