What is OverDrive Read?
OverDrive Read is a new way of reading eBooks in your web browser.
There is no messing around with software or transferring files across devices – just open up the web browser
on your smartphone, tablet or computer and start reading.
It’s as easy as See Book, Read Book!
Can I read my eBook if I’m not connected to the internet?
Yes. When eBooks are first opened up in a web browser they cache – or save – for offline access.
If there are eBooks you think you might want to read offline we recommend you individually ‘favourite’ or
‘bookmark’ them using your web browser’s favourite function/button when you first open the eBooks
up.
By favouriting/bookmarking them using your web browser’s ‘favourite’ or ‘bookmark’ button, you’ll be able to
access your eBooks offline (note: your lending periods still apply ie. you can only access them offline within
the lending period).
If you have an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch: You can either bookmark it or ‘Add to Home Screen’ – the latter
will make your eBook into a pretty web app/icon on your home screen. In either case, you’ll be saving your
eBook for offline reading.
For those with a browser which is Internet Explorer 7, 8, or 9: be aware that the ‘Google Chrome Frame’ plugin (detailed below) doesn't support offline caching – so if this feature is important to you, you might be better
off installing an alternative web browser (e.g. latest version of Google Chrome or Internet Explorer 10).
Compatibility
OverDrive Read is designed to work in the latest versions of the major web browsers – in mobile devices,
laptops or desktop computers. Some devices (such as Sony e-readers) are not ideal as their browsers are too
basic. The best way to test if your device is compatible is to try it out.
Google Chrome is recommended for OverDrive Read.
OverDrive Read will also work with Internet Explorer 10 and Apple’s Safari browser (found in iPad).
If you are using Internet Explorer 7, 8 or 9…then install the ‘Google Chrome Frame’ plug-in for Internet
Explorer when prompted (e.g. when you click on an eBook to read for the first time). This plug-in is designed
to work within your Internet Explorer, is free, and only takes moments to install. Be aware that the ‘Google
Chrome Frame’ plug-in doesn't support offline caching – so if this feature is important to you, you might be
better off installing an alternative web browser (e.g. latest version of Google Chrome or Internet Explorer 10).
Which devices are compatible with OverDrive Read? See the compatibility guide at:
http://read.overdrive.com/about/compatibility
1 What if I’ve changed my mind and want to read my ebook with Adobe®
Digital Editions instead of OverDrive Read?
You can return to your library Bookshelf and choose to read your eBook in a different format. A list of available
formats for each eBook can be found next every borrowed title on your Bookshelf.
How to use OverDrive Read
1. Find the eBook you want on the eBook & Audiobook OverDrive Catalogue
1. Go to http://sapln.lib.overdrive.com
2. Search for an eBook. There are various ways to find/search books you are interested in, as shown below.
2. Checkout (borrow) the book
1. Click “Add to cart” when you have found a title you would like. Then click “borrow” as shown below (red
arrow).
2 2. If you have not yet signed in to the OverDrive catalogue/website, you will be prompted to select your library
from a drop down menu as below. Select your library.
3. Then follow the prompts to sign in at the Sign-in page
(shown at right). You will need to:
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Enter your full library card number
(if starts with an ‘X’, include X in your number)
Enter your library card PIN
Select your library from drop down list
… then click “Login”
4. You will then see the title on your ‘Bookshelf’. Then click the “Read (in your browser)” button (see red
arrow below). Notice also you can view information relating to ‘Holds’, ‘Lists’, ‘Settings’ (in here you can
change lending periods), ‘Checkout limit’, ‘Titles checked out’ and ‘Checkouts remaining’…as shown below. 3 Using the OverDrive Read interface
The idea behind our new browser-based reading experience (OverDrive Read) is simple. When
you see a book you like, you can start reading it with just a single click.
Since Read uses HTML5, most modern web browsers are compatible. You can read on your
computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux), your phone (iOS v5+ or Android v2.3+), and your tablet
(iOS v5+ or Android v2.3+).
How does it work?
When you click or tap Read next to a title on your bookshelf or open an eBook sample, a new
tab in your browser opens to something like this:
Click or tap the right or left edges of the eBook to turn pages.
4 Click or tap the bookmark icon in the upper-left to save your position (see red ribbon bookmark icon
in image below at top left).
On larger screens, the menus should show up on the right. On smaller screens, the menu will be
hidden. If this is the case, swipe down from (or click on) the top of the page to show the menu.
5 Select any one of the navigation buttons to jump to a particular section of the menu.
You can navigate an eBook's table of contents or your bookmarks by selecting one from either list.
6 You can search for a word or phrase from within the eBook text.
Or you can change the readability options that control how an eBook is displayed.
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Tap or click on an option to change the setting.
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Tap or click the name of each option to return to the default eBook setting.
Need help? Most common issues can be resolved using OverDrive’s help section, accessible via the help link
at: http://sapln.lib.overdrive.com Check also the tips at www.libraries.sa.gov.au/ebooks
Due to ongoing changes in technical specifications of devices & software, the accuracy of information contained in this guide is subject to change
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