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eBooks & eAudiobooks (OverDrive) Help

Discover and check out OverDrive eBooks & eAudiobooks right from the catalog. This provides the following advantages:

Checking a Title Out

You can now search and check out a title from within the catalog, without being redirected to our OverDrive site, or requiring a second log in.

Step 1: Click on Request This Download

Step 2: Select format and loan period (7, 14 or 21 days)

Step 3: Download the title

Placing a Hold

Place a hold on an OverDrive title from within the catalog. It works the same way it does for all other media. Provide or confirm your email address (Digital Notifications Email). Please note: if you need to modify your email check under “My Settings”. The link to "My Settings" is located on the top of the catalog page.

Step 1: For the title you want to borrow, click the Request this Download link

Step 2: If the title is not currently available, enter your email address, and then click Place a Hold

Viewing Holds and Checked Out OverDrive Materials

View your checked out OverDrive items and holds as you would all other materials, by viewing your account under "My SCCL".

Checked Out Page

1. OverDrive items are now included in all "items coming due" and "items out" tallies which appear at the top of the Checked Out page, and your personal landing page.
2. The number of digital checkouts that are still available is shown at the top of the page.
3. The "Download Now" button appears next to all OverDrive items whether or not the item has already been downloaded.
4. The digital file type and size also appear in the record.

Holds Page

1. Holds on OverDrive items can be cancelled the same way that you cancel a hold on a book or DVD.
2. The number of digital holds that are still available is shown at the top of the page.
3. The status of OverDrive hold items is displayed within the list, alongside all other hold materials. Once an item becomes available, an Available for Checkout link appears so the format and loan duration can be selected. Once this is done, the item moves to the Checked Out page, regardless of whether the file has been downloaded or not.

FAQs:

Q: Can I suspend a hold on an OverDrive title?
A: You can cancel a hold, but you cannot suspend a hold.

Q: If I cancel a hold on a downloadable item, will it appear on the Cancelled tab of my Holds page?
A: No. The Cancelled tab displays only physical items. OverDrive does not store this information where it would be accessible to the catalog.

Q: Will items checked out directly in OverDrive appear on the Checked Out page?
A: Yes. Please note that some newly acquired titles may not yet be listed in the catalog. If the item is not yet listed in the catalog, its cover will not be displayed, and you will not be able to add it to a shelf, rate it, or add other content. To view newly acquired titles not yet listed in the catalog you may visit the OverDrive site directly.

Q: Do I need to install any specific software?
A: Yes. Depending on your device and the file format that you’re downloading, you must still have the OverDrive Media Console and/or Adobe Digital Editions software installed. For more information about installing the required software, please visit our step-by-step guides on how to download an eBook from OverDrive or view the OverDrive My Help! Beta.

Q: What happens if someone logs in with an iPad or an Android device?
A: If these worked before, they will work now. For most devices, you’ll need to install the OverDrive Media Console app, and authorize the device with an Adobe ID.

Q: Will Kindle files still be downloaded from Amazon?
A: Yes. This integration doesn’t change the source location of the downloadable files, just how patrons download them.

Q: What help is available for first-time users?
A: We’ve added FAQ links within the catalog and we’ve also posted a video guide on YouTube. In addition please visit our step-by-step guides on how to download an eBook from OverDrive.

Q: Can I return eBooks early through the online catalog?
A: At this time it is not possible to return eBooks early from within the online catalog. Visit our step-by-step guides to view how to return an eBook early based on your device. eAudiobook titles cannot be returned early.

Q: How many eBooks and eAudiobooks titles (from OverDrive) can I have checked out at the same time?
A: You can have up to 10 eBook and eAudiobook titles checked out at any given time.

Q: How many eBook and eAudiobook titles (from OverDrive) can I place on hold at the same time?
A: You can place up to 10 eBook and eAudiobook titles on hold at a time.

Q: Can I renew the eBook and eAudiobook titles (from OverDrive) that I have checked out?
A: eBook and eAudiobook titles from OverDrive cannot be renewed, but you can check them out again if they are available when the checkout period ends.

Q: I was issued a new library card number and I don't see my e-checkouts/holds? What should I do?
A: To transfer your existing e-checkouts and e-holds to your new account, please contact Ask a Librarian with your new library card number, your previous library card number, and your email address. For account specific questions and help, please contact Circulation Services: Phone: 1-800-286-1991 (Monday thru Friday 8:30am-5:00pm), Email: circulation@sccl.org.

Need additional Help? Please use our Report a Problem form to send your question.