Overdrive

=Introduction to BPL's OverDrive=



=What is OverDrive?= OverDrive is a digital media platform for libraries where people can download audio books, e books, music and videos. The following types of materials can be checked out and downloaded from this website:
 * eBooks in the Adobe Reader®/Adobe Digital Editions PDF format (eBooks optimized for on-screen reading)
 * eBooks in the Mobipocket® Reader format (eBooks optimized for on-screen reading & transfer to an array of portable devices)
 * WMA Audiobooks in the OverDrive Media Console™ format
 * MP3 Audiobooks in the OverDrive Media Console™ format
 * Music in the OverDrive Media Console™ format
 * Video in the OverDrive Media Console™ format (note that OverDrive Video is supported as a high-speed Internet-only product)

=How do I access OverDrive?= To access digital materials at Boston Public Library, you will need:
 * A valid library card (RCC or BPL card)
 * Access to the Internet
 * Free software for the computer and/or device on which you wish to use the material you download from this site

There are several ways find the downloadable content on the BPL's website:
 * Go to the Boston Public Library's [|Homepage] and click on "bpl catalogs" on the navigation bar. Then click on [|Downloadable Media].
 * OR**
 * Click [|Here] for the direct link.

=How do I to get started?= Before you can enjoy for digital media you will have to follow some simple steps:


 * Step 1: Download & Install Free Software-** Each format requires special free software. Click [|Here] to learn more.
 * Step 2: Register Free Software-** You have to register the software. Click [|Here] to learn more.
 * Step 3: Check Out, Download, and Enjoy**

Click [|Here] to find general help on how to use OverDrive.

=Finding and checking out downloadable material= There are several ways to find audio book, ebook, music and videos.

For more information about borrowing, click [|Here]
 * Searching for items:**
 * Use the basic search box to locate items. This will search for you term in all formats.
 * Use the advance search to search item by specific format.
 * Use the links under "Downloadable Media Collections" to browse just for the format you are looking for.
 * Checking out items:**
 * Click on the item that you want to check out.
 * Click on "add to cart"
 * Click on "proceed to checkout"
 * Click on "confirm checkout"
 * Click "download"

=Basic Research Help= Please click the Ask a Librarian icon if you have any questions concerning these guides, need help finding material for your research or any general questions you might have.
 * Looking for books? Search our [|Online Catalog].
 * Looking for articles? Search our [|Databases].
 * Can't find what you are looking for? Use our [|InterLibrary Loan Form].

**General Library Information**

 * Contact Us
 * [|Staff]
 * [|Hours]

Research guide prepared on 02/21/09 by William Hoag: whoag@rcc.mass.edu