How to get books from public library on Kindle

[sillysmom]

Okay, here goes. Overdrive Media Console is what I used on my Iphone when I didn't have a Kindle. I still use it sometimes when the library doesn't have a book I want in Kindle format. OMC uses Epub books. Now for the Kindle. First you need to open a Amazon account, you will need that website to access your books. Now, to get a book, you go to your library's website, when I get there I click "on Live-brary", I believe I then click on e-books. Now you need to access your "account". its easier to do that first then after when you have your "cart" filled. After I sign in, I do a search by author or title or whatever. Now when I search, there is a drop down box that allows you to request a particular format, so of course I click on the drop down box that says Kindle. You can also click on a box to show only items that are available for checkout, but I like to see books that I want and I can then reserve them. Okay, so now you find a book that you want, you will click "add to cart", follow the prompts, and they maybe a bit different but ultimately you will want to go to your cart and "checkout". Once you do that it will have a spot that will say download, it then automatically sends you to your Amazon account where on the right side it will have a little button, for me it says...send to Linda's Kindle, you press that button and it goes to the Kindle (and your iphone if you have one with the app, that is pretty cool because it follows your pages on both devices.) Now you turn on your Kindle, get to the Menu and go to the part that says "sync", you do that, go to your main menu and there your book should be. It is MUCH easier than it sounds. I hope this helps.

 

[taaren]

I am a reference librarian and I have absolutely no clue how to get to the library's ebooks. When people ask, I just point them to our library's homepage which then takes you to Overdrive (or ListenNJ in my state) and they have instructions there. The librarians themselves have nothing to do with managing ebooks; it is all done by the outside companies (Overdrive).

At my library, none of us librarians even own a Kindle or Nook. The library itself doesn't own one, and not one of the librarians has been trained in it, and there are zero plans to train us. The upper administration all received Ipads but they won't let us librarians touch them to learn about ebooks.

I feel alot of resentment about ebooks; sadly I feel I probably need to buy myself a Kindle just to learn to use it, so I can show the patrons how to use it, so they can get ebooks and never ever return to the library and I will become unemployed. Yeah what a deal. (Just venting my fears, I don't see the profession surviving the ebook).

So don't be surprised if the library has no clue about ebooks lending. Many feel it's Overdrive's issue.

Wow.

Also a librarian. I own a Nook, as do a few of my colleagues (it was a gift from the DH though the academic library I previously worked for bought several Kindles for the staff to learn to use). We brought ours in for the other librarians to play with, but even if we hadn't we have handouts explaining it in addition to the instructions on the website. Go to your own library's website _please_ and get as far as borrowing and downloading the books to your PC (our system uses Adobe e-Reader software, a very light software program). May want to even call around to some of the libraries in your area (perhaps the local college library?) and see if they have a Kindle or Nook that you and your staff could play with and learn to download books onto. Btw, librarians do select the e-books that your library has available - somewhere in the upper echelons perhaps, but collection development, even digitally is still part of our purvue. Usually there is a Digital Collection Librarian title.

The profession is only in danger of not "surviving" e-books if we don't keep moving forward and re-educating ourselves and embracing new technologies as most other professions have had to do with the new technologies in the last twenty years. Despite Annoyed Librarian's predictions, e-books need not kill the librarian profession any more than DVD borrowing has not decreased due to Netflix and streaming technologies (which many libraries are also starting to implement). This thread is a perfect example of why the public needs librarians to help them and why we need continuing education (even self-education if it is not provided to us) so that we are in a position to.

 

[jrmasm]

I am a reference librarian and I have absolutely no clue how to get to the library's ebooks. When people ask, I just point them to our library's homepage which then takes you to Overdrive (or ListenNJ in my state) and they have instructions there. The librarians themselves have nothing to do with managing ebooks; it is all done by the outside companies (Overdrive).

At my library, none of us librarians even own a Kindle or Nook. The library itself doesn't own one, and not one of the librarians has been trained in it, and there are zero plans to train us. The upper administration all received Ipads but they won't let us librarians touch them to learn about ebooks.

I feel alot of resentment about ebooks; sadly I feel I probably need to buy myself a Kindle just to learn to use it, so I can show the patrons how to use it, so they can get ebooks and never ever return to the library and I will become unemployed. Yeah what a deal. (Just venting my fears, I don't see the profession surviving the ebook).

So don't be surprised if the library has no clue about ebooks lending. Many feel it's Overdrive's issue.

My library directed to me to the reference librarian when I asked a question about ebooks. Guess they don't share your attitude.

 

[disneychrista]

My library directed to me to the reference librarian when I asked a question about ebooks. Guess they don't share your attitude.

Or each library handles it differently. I would never think to ask the reference librarian about ebooks. I would think the front desk would know more. Or in my case, since they aren't available, they don't either.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Or each library handles it differently. I would never think to ask the reference librarian about ebooks. I would think the front desk would know more. Or in my case, since they aren't available, they don't either.

In the (I fully admit pathetic) library where I work, neither would know. Ebooks are nothing more than a subscription that the library system pays into; ebooks have nothing to do with a normal day at the library. We never see or touch ebooks. No one on staff knows much about them, unless they bought a Kindle for personal use and taught themselves. Many libraries also have the issue of older staffs, who never grew up with technology and aren't interested in educating themselves now so close to retirement. Least that is the case where I work.

Sounds nuts that a library would have so little knowledge about ebooks, but it's all run by outside companies, not libraries. When I run the reference desk, I am embarassed when people ask me about downloading ebooks and I just don't know. I can read the handouts and webpages about downloading ebooks, but it's all greek to me without a e-reader to actually use.

I guess the moral of my posts are: don't assume the library knows anything about ebooks. They may not!

 

[Kteacher]

I've downloaded the software necessary to borrow digital books from my library, but am having little success in finding any titles that are available-most show a wait list of anywhere from 10-30 people. I do love my NOOK, but this aspect is frustrating.

 

[Swan4Me]

Subscribing-I got an IPad for Xmass and ventured to my Library's site and reserved an e-book.

This thread has shown me that the librarians may not be able to walk me thru it

(I'm very Techno-challenged)

 

[sillysmom]

That is unfortunate that your library doesn't have many ebooks available. I do find no rhyme or reason as to what books they do carry. Some very popular authors have no books available and then this weekend I found 4 books on the best seller list from this week. I really wonder how it all works. Maybe some authors are not interested in allowing their works to be accessed through the internet. I can understand that, however, it makes no difference to me, I because I would NEVER actually purchase a book that I would only read once. Thats just me. What I am so happy about is that for years I would read at least 3 books a week, for the last couple of years I find that I just can't find the time to get to the library or even to pick up a book for any length of time. Now, I am constantly reading on my iPhone EVERYWHERE, on the checkout line, while my teenage daughter is in the dressing room, while I'm cooking, its just so convenient. And when I'm relaxing on the couch, I just pull out the Kindle and get to reading as well.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Subscribing-I got an IPad for Xmass and ventured to my Library's site and reserved an e-book.

This thread has shown me that the librarians may not be able to walk me thru it

(I'm very Techno-challenged)

From this thread, it seems all librarians at every library know everything about ebooks except mine. So as long as you don't belong to my library (in northern NJ), you'll be fine!

 

[disneychrista]

Waiting lists are not unique to ebooks. I rarely am able to get the books I want without having to wait.

 

[book_junkie]

Part of the problem is that Overdrive is VERY expensive, and there may be limits to what your library could have been able to purchase. I know around here there have been massive budget cuts to libraries across the state, and while the library I work with cannot afford Overdrive or other digital books (I wish we could) we can participate in the remnants of a state wide system that gives our patrons access to other libraries that have Overdrive. A neighboring library charges for those outside their city district- even two blocks over. Anyways, there are certain levels of service that you can buy, just like certain levels of the dining plan- what is available to patrons is what the library can afford.

And not all publishers allow libraries to have access to ebooks- Harper Collins allows only 26 digital check-outs before libraries have to repurchase the book, Penguin is not allowing new titles to be lending ebooks, Macmillion & Simon and Schuster have never allowed it.

http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2011/11/ebooks/penguin-group-usa-to-no-longer-allow-library-lending-of-new-ebook-titles/

I do think it's sad that librarians are not willing to learn the new tech, even to read the directions in order to help their patrons with questions. We don't have ebooks, but my patrons have gotten Kindles and Nooks and tablets, and I've learned how to work them from trial and error in order to provide the best service I can.

 

[bumbershoot]

And not all publishers allow libraries to have access to ebooks- Harper Collins allows only 26 digital check-outs before libraries have to repurchase the book
...
I do think it's sad that librarians are not willing to learn the new tech, even to read the directions in order to help their patrons with questions.

That's extremely annoying of HC. Surely their paper-books last for more than 26 checkouts, so why have that policy?

I think it's sad, too. Considering how excited my library seemed to be, to get Overdrive, how many signs they had up and how they touted it on their website, I must assume that there are people on staff who could help me if I needed it.

...for the last couple of years I find that I just can't find the time to get to the library or even to pick up a book for any length of time.

If you think you could possibly pop in for a few minutes, see if your library lets you request book holds online. All 3 library systems I'm eligible to belong to allow this, and it's SO convenient. They each have shelves very close to checkout and the front; you get the email that your books are ready, run in, grab the books with your name on the slip of paper, and check out!

I've downloaded the software necessary to borrow digital books from my library, but am having little success in finding any titles that are available-most show a wait list of anywhere from 10-30 people. I do love my NOOK, but this aspect is frustrating.

I've been on a paper-book waiting list for a book that was over 30 people long before and it went surprisingly quickly. The e-book waiting lists I've been on have taken mere days so far, it's very nice. There's the possibility to "return" the book in the amazon "manage your kindle" area, so even if you have time left on your checkout you can "take it back" earlier. And I think people do that more often with an e-book than a paper-book, since they don't have to GO anywhere.

...I am embarassed when people ask me about downloading ebooks and I just don't know. I can read the handouts and webpages about downloading ebooks, but it's all greek to me without a e-reader to actually use.

If the person in front of you has one with them, work it through with them. Two of us have described our library's system on this thread, and since you have handouts etc, maybe the person would be happy to at least have *help*?

 

[HugsForEeyore]

The profession is only in danger of not "surviving" e-books if we don't keep moving forward and re-educating ourselves and embracing new technologies as most other professions have had to do with the new technologies in the last twenty years. Despite Annoyed Librarian's predictions, e-books need not kill the librarian profession any more than DVD borrowing has not decreased due to Netflix and streaming technologies (which many libraries are also starting to implement). This thread is a perfect example of why the public needs librarians to help them and why we need continuing education (even self-education if it is not provided to us) so that we are in a position to.

I feel as librarians, we are damned if we do, damned if we don't. People want ebooks, plain and simple. How many threads do we read here about people reluctant to get an e-reader, then get one, then declare it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, and they will never pick up a paper book again. If librarians don't embrace the technology and don't provide ebooks, people will go elsewhere for the ebooks (Amazon probably). If we provide ebooks, people will download them and have no reason to step into the library. Can't win.

I think the ebook is very different than any other technology that has come along - for the first time, people expect these mobile devices (e-readers, iphones) will give all information, as much as they want, anytime they want, for free or a dirt cheap price. The cat is out of the bag. For the first time, all information in any library could theoretically be available digitally to download at home, not requiring a library as a physical place anymore.

Though even saying that, my library is currently still a busy place. It's surprising how many people don't have interent access at home and come to the library. Many seniors at my library only use real books and will never touch technology. But I think the ebook will decrease usage in the brick-and-morter library soon enough.

This thread is making me realize I got to get a new Kindle and learn to use it, even though I will probably never touch it again after I learn to use it. Ughhh hate wasting money like that, but my job is absolutely not going to teach me how to use one. Sigh.

 

[vicki_c]

Coincidentally, one of the posts I saw on my Facebook feed this morning was from our county library, talking about the 5 upcoming "Learn to Use Your E-Reader" classes they are having, and even suggesting patrons come into the library and borrow one of their e-readers to try out. Our library posts a lot of info on Facebook about e-readers, new books they have available, etc. Which makes me happy - guess we have a 21st century library!

 

[nunzia]

I am a reference librarian and I have absolutely no clue how to get to the library's ebooks. When people ask, I just point them to our library's homepage which then takes you to Overdrive (or ListenNJ in my state) and they have instructions there. The librarians themselves have nothing to do with managing ebooks; it is all done by the outside companies (Overdrive).

At my library, none of us librarians even own a Kindle or Nook. The library itself doesn't own one, and not one of the librarians has been trained in it, and there are zero plans to train us. The upper administration all received Ipads but they won't let us librarians touch them to learn about ebooks.

I feel alot of resentment about ebooks; sadly I feel I probably need to buy myself a Kindle just to learn to use it, so I can show the patrons how to use it, so they can get ebooks and never ever return to the library and I will become unemployed. Yeah what a deal. (Just venting my fears, I don't see the profession surviving the ebook).

So don't be surprised if the library has no clue about ebooks lending. Many feel it's Overdrive's issue.

..and my second job is at an entertainment store (Hastings, 155 stores in small markets) and we will also become a thing of the past as libraries may as well. We sell books, movies and music and also rent movies..bulleye hit from technology in all areas, so I can see the writing on the wall. Why buy from us when you can get it from Amazon cheaper and with no tax and free shipping? And even more so, why buy from us in paper, CD or DVD form when you get product downloaded or streamed instantly? The company is trying to adapt but really, brick and morter and probably libraries are in the start of their decline and, although will most likely remain open in some form, will be more of a niche or boutique thing.
Sorry for way off topic! My question..I bought myself a Kindle the day after Christmas since for some reason no one thought I wanted one scared1 and I wonder what happens if you don't finish the book by the check out period..does it just freeze up or disappear or what?

 

[DawnM]

http://www.freelibrary.org/

This library has a far greater selection than my local library for downloads in audio and kindle print downloads.

A subscription is $35/year unless you are military, over 65, or live in Philly, but if you plan to read a lot, it may be well worth it for the selection.

Dawn

 

[jrmasm]

Coincidentally, one of the posts I saw on my Facebook feed this morning was from our county library, talking about the 5 upcoming "Learn to Use Your E-Reader" classes they are having, and even suggesting patrons come into the library and borrow one of their e-readers to try out. Our library posts a lot of info on Facebook about e-readers, new books they have available, etc. Which makes me happy - guess we have a 21st century library!

 

[sillysmom]

Nunzia, if your library checkout has expired, it will say it on the front of the Kindle, then you can go check it out again if it is available.

 

[RitaE]

I'm teaching a library technology class next week, I do it as a volunteer. I teach it a couple of times a month but the January classes last year were packed with all the new eReader and Tablet users. I expect the whole time to be taken up with getting people onto Overdrive and learning to download, usually we spend some time on online searching of the catalog and reserving books but probably not next week.

I find the 3 ladies who staff the Reference section of our Library to be quite technically able - even though they are all, let's just say not in their 20's (or 30's or 40's). I'm not very involved in the cost side of our Overdrive, but I do hear the staff talking quite frequently of shifting money from traditional purchases to digital in order to meet demand which is growing exponentially.

The Reference desk at our library is in charge of the equipment check-out so the play around with the devices quite often and they can help patrons quite well. They have Kindles, Sony's, and iPODs that patrons can borrow to test drive and they are always in demand. Amazingly, the library has experienced almost no damage, theft, or loss of equipment which was a huge fear when we started.

 

[Crystal0608]

I just figured it out on dd's kindle fire. I went to overdrive, put in my zip, and found my library. I entered my library card # and the last 4 numbers of my cell. I rented a book for dd, checked out, then go to get for kindle, checkout free at amazon. I called dd and she got it. I just wish the search feature was a little easier.