Downloadable Audiobooks: Overdrive (11)

Dear Peabody,
I got a book from NetLibrary and was prepared to answer questions, then someone asked me about something called Overdrive! What’s Overdrive? It is something for iPods?
Stella

Dear Stella,
Overdrive is another way to get digital audiobooks. Library users can download audiobooks from home using two services: NetLibrary and Overdrive. They can listen to either on their PC or mp3 players (no iPods).
Peabody

Dear Peabody,
Overdrive doesn’t look anything like NetLibrary. How do I download a book?
Stella

Dear Stella,
NetLibrary and Overdrive do look different. And the process is a little different too. Maybe this nifty chart will help clear things up.
Peabody

NetLibrary	Overdrive
Books can be checked out by more than one person at a time.	Only one person can check out and download a book at a time.
Books are downloaded as one large file.	Books are divided into several small files.
Cannot be downloaded on library computers.	Cannot be downloaded on library computers.
You only need Windows Media Player.	You have to have special Overdrive software.
Must have a library card number to sign up for an account, then you don’t need it again.	Must have a library card number each time you check out a book.
Cannot burn audiobooks to CD.	CAN burn audiobooks to CD. One part per CD. And the CDs don’t expire!

p.s. Here’s another exercise that might help you. Look for the audiobooks link on the library website to get started:

Your mission, should you choose to accept it: 1. Go to the audiobooks page on the library website. 2. Go to Overdrive and find a book. 3. Checkout the book and download the book to your computer. Play a little bit of the book. 4. Leave any questions in the comments section of the blog. 5. Take the survey.