Help with eBooks
How do I use the eBooks service?
You can access the Suffolk eBooks service from home. You will not be able to use eBooks in Suffolk libraries or Record Offices but you will be able to view the available titles on Overdrive. Overdrive is our third party supplier’s website. You will need some familiarity with computers to make use of our eBooks service.
How much does it cost to borrow an eBook?
Our eBook service is free and you will never incur overdue charges.
How many eBooks can I borrow?
You may borrow up to three at a time.
How long can I borrow an eBook for?
The loan period is up to three weeks.
What do I need to get started with eBooks?
- Your library card and PIN
- You will need to have some confidence with computers and familiarity with computer software
- Your own computer or compatible device
- You will be required to download and install the free software
- You may be prompted to activate the free software
You will now be ready to access the service at: Suffolk eBooks
Can I change the loan period?
The Lending Periods page displays the default lending period for each format. For example, there is a three week loan period for eBooks. However you can use this page to choose personalized default lending periods or you can select lending periods on a title by title basis through Overdrive.
Can I renew my eBook?
No. The eBook download will expire after three weeks. You will need to issue it again. If it is not available you will need to make a reservation.
Can I reserve an eBook?
Yes. If there isn’t a copy available for loan you can reserve it. You will be sent an email telling you that the eBook is available and you will need to download it within 2 days.
How many titles can I place on hold at the same time?
You can reserve three eBook titles at the same time.
Can I transfer Suffolk eBooks to my Kindle?
No. The Kindle is an Amazon product which is severely locked down. This means that it is not currently possible to borrow any UK public library books on a Kindle. You can however use a desktop or laptop (Windows or Mac) and a wide range of eReaders or mobile devices. For example you can transfer some eBooks to your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Sony eReader or Kobo eReader. For more information, please see Overdrive's Resource Device Center.
Please explain the four formats listed on the Suffolk eBooks site – what is the difference?
• Adobe EPUB eBooks – digital versions of print books which can also be transferred to many eBook reading devices. You may change the font size to instantly create a Large Print version of the title.
• Adobe PDF eBooks –these eBooks can be checked out and transferred to supported eBook reading devices. The text and graphics are fixed so this format is ideal for eBooks with many images such as picture books or graphic novels.
• Overdrive WMA Audiobook – digitally protected audiobooks. Most are iPod and iPad compatible.
• Overdrive MP3 Audiobook – audiobooks for download. Many can be transferred to supported devices or burnt to a CD.
How many eBooks do you have?
We stock a selection of over 3,000 and we will be adding more titles depending upon use and popularity of this format. So far, we have had almost 12,000 loans! We are also expanding our range of audio eBooks.
Please view Quick Start Guide, FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and Guided Tour all on the OverDrive website. This will give you all the necessary information to help you on your eBook journey.
How do I return an eBook early?
It may be possible to return an eBook early. This allows you to borrow more titles. Please note that this is not possible for all formats. Please follow these step by step instructions:
- Open Adobe Digital Editions.
- Select the 'Library View' icon (in the upper left corner).
The Adobe Digital Editions library is displayed. - Under the 'Bookshelves' heading, select 'Borrowed'.
- Click the eBook you want to return.
- Click the 'Item Options' arrow (in the upper left corner of the selected eBook).
- Select 'Return Borrowed Item'.
- Click 'Return' to verify that you want to return the title.
- The eBook is returned to the library collection.
Can I copy an ebook to a different format?
Each title displays its own download format as well as digital rights so you can see if it can be copied (to CD or MP3 etc). Please note that content on each title is specified by the publisher. Therefore you will need to check for each item whether it is possible to download the title to other devices such as eReaders or mobile devices. This also applies for copying the title.