| Help - Basics - General |
|
|
What kinds of materials can I check out from this website?
We are pleased to offer the following types of materials for checkout and download from this website:
- Digital WMA Audiobooks in the OverDrive Media Console™ format
- Digital MP3 Audiobooks in the OverDrive Media Console™ format
To review system requirements and download free software for your preferred format, click below:
- OverDrive WMA Audiobooks
- OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks
Back to top
What is an OverDrive WMA Audiobook?
An OverDrive WMA Audiobook title is a digitally-protected audiobook that has been optimized for download. OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media® Audio format, which greatly enhances the sound quality for desktop listening, play of CD copies (where permitted by the publisher), and portable device use.
To read more about free digital audiobook software, click on the link below:
To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console, click on the link below:
Back to top
What is an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook?
An OverDrive MP3 Audiobook title is an audiobook that has been optimized for download. OverDrive MP3 Audiobook titles are compatible with many different devices including most cell phones, PDAs, and MP3 players.
To read more about free digital audiobook software, click on the link below:
To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console, click on the link below:
Back to top
What software do I need to use the content at this site?
In order to borrow and use a specific format of digital media, you must download and install the appropriate software.
OverDrive Media Console (for OverDrive WMA Audiobooks) is available for desktop and laptop computers with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Windows Mobile operating systems. For more information on OverDrive Media Console, click here.
OverDrive Media Console (for OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks) is available for desktop and laptop computers with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Mobile, and Mac operating systems. For more information on OverDrive Media Console, click here.
Back to top
How long will it take to download an audiobook?
Download times vary depending on the speed of your Internet connection and the size of the audiobook that you are downloading. Please refer to this chart for approximate download times. Please note that these numbers are estimates and your actual download times may vary.
| File Size |
Internet Connection Speed |
| 56 Kbps |
128 Kbps |
256 Kbps |
512 Kbps |
1.5 Mbps |
| 1 Mb |
4 min |
1 min |
30 sec |
15 sec |
6 sec |
| 5 Mb |
21 min |
5 min |
3 min |
1 min |
30 sec |
| 10 Mb |
42 min |
12 min |
5 min |
3 min |
1 min |
| 20 Mb |
1 hr 20 min |
22 min |
11 min |
5 min |
2 min |
| 50 Mb |
3 hr 45 min |
55 min |
27 min |
14 min |
5 min |
| 100 Mb |
7 hr 30 min |
1 hr 50 min |
55 min |
27 min |
9 min |
Back to top
How do I get to OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles after I've downloaded them?
To open an audiobook, open OverDrive Media Console and double-click the desired title in the 'Media Library'.
Note that if you do not remember where you saved a downloaded title, Montgomery County Library District maintains a history of borrowed digital materials called 'My Bookshelf'. During the lending period, most digital materials can be re-downloaded from the My Bookshelf feature by clicking on the 'My Bookshelf' link in the My Account section.
Back to top
How do I get to OverDrive MP3 Audiobook titles after I've downloaded them?
To open an audiobook, open OverDrive Media Console and double-click the desired title in the 'Media Library'.
Note that if you do not remember where you saved a downloaded title, Montgomery County Library District maintains a history of borrowed digital materials called 'My Bookshelf'. During the lending period, most digital materials can be re-downloaded from the My Bookshelf feature by clicking on the 'My Bookshelf' link in the My Account section.
Back to top
Can I download a title multiple times during the checkout period?
If you've misplaced a downloaded title, Montgomery County Library District maintains a history of borrowed digital materials called 'My Bookshelf'. During the lending period, you can re-download from the My Bookshelf feature by clicking on the 'My Bookshelf' link in the My Account section.
To reach the My Account section, click the 'My Account' link and enter the required login information.
Back to top
What happens to an OverDrive title once I have finished with it?
OverDrive Media Console prompts you to delete expired titles. You can delete OverDrive titles at any time.
To delete OverDrive titles using OverDrive Media Console…
- Open OverDrive Media Console.
- Select the item you wish to delete in the 'Media Library'.
- Click the 'Delete' button.
The title is deleted.
To delete OverDrive titles using OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile…
- Open OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile.
- Select the item you wish to delete in the 'Media Library'.
- Click Menu > Delete and click 'Yes' to confirm.
The title is deleted.
Back to top
Can I use the materials I check out from this site on multiple computers?
This depends on the format…
- If you are using OverDrive media…
OverDrive WMA Audiobooks can be downloaded to multiple computers, transferred to supported portable devices, and burned to CD (where permitted by the publisher).
OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks can be downloaded to multiple computers, transferred to supported portable devices, and burned to CD.
Back to top
Can I download and play OverDrive titles on a Windows Mobile® device?
You can download and play OverDrive titles on a Windows Mobile device using OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile. To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile, click here.
Back to top
What is an enhanced title?
Enhanced titles are accompanied by supplemental material provided by the publisher. Once you have checked out an enhanced title, you will be able to download the title as well as the supplemental material. Note that an enhanced title only counts as a single checkout.
Back to top
How do I know if a title is enhanced?
Enhanced titles are clearly labeled with the designation '[ENHANCED]'.
Back to top
I'm interested in an enhanced title but I really only want one of the files. Do I have to download both?
No. You need only download the file in which you are interested.
Back to top
I'm thinking about checking out an enhanced title. Will it count as one or two checkouts?
An enhanced title counts as a single checkout.
Back to top
How can I tell the format of the supplemental file that comes with an enhanced title? How will I know what software I need to use it?
The file format of the supplemental file is indicated at the title details page (click the link '[ENHANCED]'). Additionally, the file format is recapped on the My Bookshelf page. At the My Bookshelf page, you'll also find a link to the download instructions for the software required to use the supplemental file.
Back to top
|
