Downloadables

Words on a Nook Tablet

Late last year I decided it was time to join the eReader/Tablet crowd.  I decided on a Tablet because I liked the idea of being able to check email, look up a quick fact on the Internet, or spend a few minutes playing a game.  Another key factor was being able to download library eBooks directly to the device.  After that, it was a question of which Tablet to get.

In the end, I chose the Nook Tablet.  The size made it more portable than an iPad.  The price point was also more attractive because I got a good deal which included some accessories and this became the deciding factor in getting a Nook Tablet over the Kindle Fire.  While I have enjoyed the Nook for many reasons, I was bitterly disappointed because currently, it isn’t possible to download library eBooks directly to the Nook Tablet.*  The Nook Tablet is an Android device sold by Barnes and Noble, a book store that has used library eBook compatibility as a selling point for their other devices.  Why wouldn’t their tablet allow direct downloads?!? 

The good news is that both OverDrive and Barnes and Noble have confirmed that an OverDrive app for the Nook Color and Nook Tablet is in the works.  In the meantime, library eBooks have to be side-loaded onto both devices.**  It’s still worth it for the benefit of reading lengthy tomes such as the titles in  George R R Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series without having to manipulate a thick, heavy book.  I also like being able to adjust the text size and background colors on the screen to make reading easier.

Stay tuned. Hopefully my next post will be a success story about downloading directly to my Nook Tablet. 

Charmaine (CLP)

*There are ways to “root” the Nook so that it allows apps that aren’t a part of the pre-selected market.  You can find out how by doing a search in your favorite search engine.  Doing this, however, voids the warranty.   

** Another option with the Nook Color is to purchase an SD card that turns the device into an Android tablet.  At this time these don’t seem to be available for the Nook Tablet.

Continue ReadingWords on a Nook Tablet

So, why don’t we have ______ ? (Or, OverDrive eBook selection demystified.)

When it comes to eBooks, have you ever:

  • Been frustrated when trying to explain why there are missing titles in a series?
  • Experienced a brief moment of excitement to see the title you’re looking for, only to be disheartened when you realize it is only available in audio (e.g. Bossypants)?
  • Been befuddled about why we don’t have Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder or Tim Tebow’s Through My Eyes (and no, it’s not because he led the Broncos in squashing the playoff hopes of the Steelers)?

Wondering yourself why we don’t have those things, or how in the world the ACLA Downloadables Committee goes about making selections?  Well, read on, and hopefully things will become a lot clearer.

First, the ACLA Downloadables Committee currently focuses on selecting current and/or popular titles.  We purchase eBooks, eAudio, and eVideo, but we primarily select eBooks.  As a happy result of increased funding for e-materials this year, we have also been able to increase the number of copies of popular titles we purchase, as well as reduce the holds ratio on all e-content so that turn-over occurs more quickly and patrons have a higher satisfaction rate.

Sadly, there is a limit to what is available.  This, in short, is the reason we might not have:

  • All the titles in a series;
  • The eBook version of a book we have in audio;
  • Certain best-selling titles.

Let’s start with missing best-sellers (and, by extension, the reason we offer some titles as eAudio, but not eBook).  The e-publishing landscape is constantly shifting as publishers try to find a licensing/purchasing model that they feel comfortable with.  I could spend a whole blog post on the reasons for this, and maybe I’ll do that down the road, but for now I’ll just outline what we are able to get from the Big Six publishers:

  • Random House: Currently the only Big Six publisher offering libraries their complete catalog of eBooks without circulation restrictions.
  • HarperCollins: Offers their complete catalog of eBooks to libraries, but, as of March 2011, restricts each copy to 26 circulations (titles then have to be repurchased for continued access). The ACLA Downloadables Committee, along with many libraries across the country, decided to temporarily discontinue the purchase of HarperCollins eBooks when they announced the 26-circulation limit.
  • Penguin: Offered their complete eBook catalog to libraries until November 2011, then imposed an embargo on frontlist titles, with no indication of when new titles will become available.
  • Hachette:  Offers mid and backlist titles, but no frontlist.
  • Simon & Schuster: Does not sell eBooks to libraries.
  • Macmillan: Does not sell eBooks to libraries.

In terms of missing titles in a series, unfortunately, the publishers don’t necessarily have the digital rights to all of the books they have print rights to.  As a result, we are sometimes able to purchase some books in a series, but not all.

The good news?  We recently reinstated HarperCollins purchasing, so you will soon be seeing State of Wonder, Through My Eyes and other popular HarperCollins titles.  Further, publishers are constantly working on increasing their digital catalogs, so additional books in a series and books we have in audio but not eBook should become available over time.

I hope this helps to explain the rhyme and reason (or lack thereof) behind our eBook collection.  If you have questions, comments, or interest in this committee please feel free to post them below or contact me directly.

Sarah (CLP, Coordinator, eResources)

Continue ReadingSo, why don’t we have ______ ? (Or, OverDrive eBook selection demystified.)

A way to reduce Overdrive holds list

Are your patrons frustrated by the long waiting lists for popular ebook and eaudios? Do patrons checkout many titles at a time but perhaps only read a portion of them, then decide the title is not what they really wanted?  In September OverDrive introduced a “Sample” feature for patron use. These samples are for immediate access on reading devices and platforms. Customers can experience stories immediately on their computer or mobile device and decide if they are right for them, ultimately reducing holds and waiting lists.

When available, the word “Sample” will appear below a jacket. Samples may not be available for all formats of an individual title. Interested customers can easily click and enjoy up to 10 percent of each title before deciding to check it out or not. Samples vary as to length and content. (Eaudio sample content is about 2 minutes)

Samples can be accessed from a search results page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 or from a details page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The eBook sample will show up in readers’ bookshelf and look just like a regular eBook download. The eaudio sample will be directly downloaded to the user’s device.

By recommending usage of Overdrive Samples, patrons may be able to narrow their choices to titles of most interest.

Karen

Continue ReadingA way to reduce Overdrive holds list

Early Return of Kindle eBooks

Several people have recently asked if it is possible to return Kindle ebooks early.  The answer is YES!  Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to “Manage Your Kindle” on the Amazon site to access a list of your titles.  Public library titles are indicated by the words “public library” in orange.  (You will need to be logged in to see your library.) 
  2. Using the “Actions” drop-down button on the far right select “Return the book.”  (There is also a “Delete from Library” option, but that will just remove it from the list and it will remain checked out to you until the end of the loan period.) 
  3. Confirm the deletion when prompted. 
  4. The title will still be listed in your Amazon account, but if you select the “Actions” button again you will see that returning the book is no longer an option.  At this point you can delete the book from your list, if you wish. 

Screen shot instructions of this process are coming soon.

You can also return ePUB eBooks early from the OverDrive Media Console App. Make sure you are in the bookshelf portion of the app.  Tap “edit” at the top left of the screen.  This will bring up a red circle next to each book on your bookshelf.    Tap the red circle next to whichever book you wish to to delete.  You will be prompted to choose to delete and return the book or delete without returning.  Select the former and your book will be returned and removed from the app.

Sarah

UPDATE:  Amy Ergler provided directions for early returns using an Android device.  Thanks, Amy!

I’d like to point out that Sarah’s instructions for returning EBUP books early from the OverDrive Media Console App were written for iPad/iPod users. The process is different for Android users:

1. Open the App. You should be automatically taken to the bookshelf.
2. Long click (basically, press and hold) the book that you want to return until a menu pops up.
3. From the menu, choose “Delete,” the last option on the list. This will bring up a second menu.
4. From the second menu, you may choose “Return then Delete,” “Delete Only,” or “Cancel.”
5. Select “Return then Delete.” (Choosing “Delete” will remove the book from your device, but it will still be checked out to you.)

 

Continue ReadingEarly Return of Kindle eBooks