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

Welcome to The Virtual Lexicon!

Do you ever feel like you don’t take full advantage of the databases we offer county-wide? (Do you sometimes even think you don’t really know all the databases available?)

How about downloading an eBook?  Do you feel like an expert?

This blog is designed to help you feel more prepared to use, recommend, and assist with all of the databases and downloadable services we offer county-wide.  It’s a joint effort of the Electronic Resources Evaluation Committee (EREC) and the ACLA Downloadables Committee.

Each week we’ll post at least one tip or trick that we think you’ll find helpful, or even just cool.  There will also be information here about upcoming trainings, where to find marketing materials for the databases and downloadables, and more.  Best of all, if you don’t want to have to worry about keeping track of blog posts, we’ll turn all the new posts into an electronic newsletter each month.

This blog isn’t all about EREC or the Downloadables Committee, it’s about how you use our electronic resources, so if you’ve discovered something great about one of our resources, let us know.  We love guest bloggers.  We also love suggestions for what you think we should cover, so comment away.

Continue ReadingWelcome to The Virtual Lexicon!