Introducing OverDrive Downloadable Audiobooks
Overview
OverDrive Audiobooks are digital audio versions of print books and can be used on a variety of devices such as PCs, laptops, and supported MP3 players. This site offers digital audiobooks in the OverDrive Media Console™ format. To access OverDrive Audiobooks from Northern Waters Library Service, you will need:- A valid NWLS member library card (Merlin or non-Merlin)
- Access to the Internet
- Free software for the device on which you wish to use your OverDrive Audiobook
Please note that OverDrive Audiobooks can be enjoyed at home, at work, or when you travel, but are generally not for use on the computers in the library.
Step 1: Download/Install OverDrive Audiobook Software
As a first step, you will need to install free software on the machine(s) on which you want to use OverDrive Audiobooks. To read more about the free software and to review system requirements and instructions for download, use the link below:OverDrive Media Console - Required for listening to digital audio books.
http://dbooks.wplc.info and click on the Digital Book FAQ link
Step 2: Register Your Free Software
Before you check out an OverDrive Audiobook, you'll need to register your free software. You only need to register the software once for each machine on which you'll access OverDrive Audiobooks.
OverDrive Media Console utilizes Windows Media Player® 9 Series to play audio files, burn audiobook files to CD, and transfer files to portable devices. The first time that Windows Media Player attempts to open a protected file, it will alert you that a Security Update must be performed before the file may be opened. The update takes just a few moments, and is a one-time process that must be performed before Microsoft Windows Media Player will allow any copyright-protected files to be played.
Step 3: Check Out and Enjoy OverDrive Audiobooks
You can browse or search this site for OverDrive Audiobooks: http://dbooks.wplc.info/
When you locate a title of interest, simply add it to your cart and check out the title. If the desired audiobook is not available, you may place a hold on the title. The checkout period is currently set at 7 days and the limit on checked out items is 4.
In addition, if you place a hold on a title, you have 3 days to check out the audiobook after an email is sent out notifying you that it is available, or the item is made available to the next patron. You can have a maximum of 5 items on your waiting list.
When placing a hold or checking out a title, you will be required to choose your library system (Northern Waters Library Service) and enter your library card number or ID. Patrons of Bad River Library, LCO College, Lac du Flambeau Library, Shell Lake Library, Spooner Library, and Winchester Library must contact the library for an ID number.
Once you have checked out the OverDrive Audiobook, a download page will be displayed. Click the link to download your audiobook. Once the download is complete, you can close your Internet connection and enjoy your OverDrive Audiobook offline.
You will never accrue late fees with OverDrive Audiobooks. At the end of the OverDrive Audiobook loan period, the title will expire and be automatically 'returned' to the library. At this time, you can delete the expired file from your machine. Please be aware that early returns and renewals are not possible.
For more complete information on installation, troubleshooting and the checkout process, go to http://dbooks.wplc.info and click on the Digital Book FAQ link.
Step 4: What If I Need More Help?
If you have viewed the online help at http://dbooks.wplc.info and still need assistance, contact your local library and be prepared to offer the following information.
- Merlin library card number or non-Merlin library ID
- Operating System (Windows 98 SE, etc.)
- Internet browser and version (Internet Explorer 6.0, Netscape 4.8, etc. In most browsers, find this under Help > About.)
- Internet Service Provider (Earthlink, MSN, AOL, etc.)
- Is a firewall in operation (yes or no)
- If applicable, MP3 device type and operating system
- Title(s) of problem digital book(s)
- Exact text of any error message
- URL of any error pages
- Steps to reproduce the problem
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