Overdrive FAQs

What is Overdrive?

OverDrive Digital Library Reserve provides popular fiction and non fiction audiobooks and eBooks to lend to library users for download. OverDrive works with us to create and host a website customised to look like our existing library website. Their catalogue currently offers over 200,000 downloadable titles from hundreds of publishers.

What is the subscription model?

Each item has a cover price determined by the publisher. There is also a subscription charge to cover support, hosting and maintenance of the Kent Libraries & Archives eLending Library site. 

How do I log onto Overdrive?

You can browse the Kent Libraries & Archives eLending Library without login in, but to borrow items or check your account just enter your normal library card number and PIN when asked to do so (Please note that online registration needs to be confirmed in a library first). The service is accessible from any internet-enabled computer at home, school or work - downloading from library computer is unfortunately not available for licensing and technical reasons. You will need to install specific software on your computer or device. Read the Quick start guide first.

How will I find the eBooks I want?

eBook records are loaded on the library catalogue soon after purchase. Search our online catalogue as usual or limit your search to just eResources, then click on the link in the record. You can also browse or search the Kent Libraries & Archives eLending Library itself using a range of options including an advanced search facility.

What formats are available?

The eBooks are available in PDF or EPUB formats and Audiobooks are in MP3 or WMA format. Please note that titles may not be available in all formats. For further details see the Digital Help section.

What devices are supported?

The full list of supported devices is available from the main Overdrive site.

How long can I keep titles I check out?

Lending periods can vary from title to title. Additionally, you can set personalised default lending period(s) on a format-by-format basis at the 'Lending Periods' page.

Additionally, you can select a lending period - 7, 14 or 21 days, each day being a full 24 hour period - on a title-by-title basis. In the course of checking out any title, you will have the option to select a different lending period for that specific title.

Can more than one person borrow the same item from the Kent Libraries & Archives eLending Library?

No. An item can only be loaned to one person at a time, unless several copies of the same title have been purchased of course.

For all questions relating to the borrowing of eBooks and eAudiobooks check out the Borrowing help section.

Important note: Keep in mind Overdrive is an American company, some of the language used can seem a little 'alien'. e.g. Placing an item on hold = placing a reservation or joining the waiting list for an item; to check out an item = to borrow an item.

Also some of the information provided in the Help guides is generic rather than specifically tailored to Kent libraries. Unfortunately as the same template is used for library authorities around the world this cannot be altered.

Can I print or extract portions of an eBook?

"You may use the Content only for your personal, non-commercial use. The Content and any other copyrighted material may not be modified, copied, distributed, shared, displayed, emailed, transmitted, sold or otherwise transferred, conveyed or used, in a manner inconsistent with the Agreement, or rights of the copyright owner. You will not redistribute, transmit, assign, sell, broadcast, rent, share, lend, modify, adapt, edit, sub-license or otherwise transfer the Content. You are not granted any synchronisation, public performance, promotional use, commercial sale, resale, reproduction or distribution rights for the Content.

At the end of the lending period, your license to the Content terminates, and you may no longer use or access the Content. At the end of the lending period, you are required to delete and/or destroy any and all copies of the Content. In the event OverDrive, the library or other rights holders determines you are violating permitted uses of the Content, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate your ability to use or access an OverDrive service or the Content". 

Does Overdrive support visually impaired users?

Overdrive is committed to supporting visually impaired users' access. A specific version of the Quick Start Guide is provided for the visually impaired and the OverDrive Media Console is designed for accessibility and compatibility with screen readers.

Need some help? Contact Ask a Kent Librarian.