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OverDrive Basics: Audiobooks

First-Time Users

To listen to OverDrive audiobooks on your computer, you must meet the following basic requirements:

For Windows:

  • Windows XP (or newer)
  • Internet Explorer 7 (or newer)
  • Windows Media Player 9 series (or newer)
  • iTunes v9.1 (or newer) - required to transfer audiobooks to Apple Devices

For Mac:

  • Mac OS 10.4.9 (or newer)
  • iTunes v7.6.2.9 (or newer)

If you meet the basic system requirements, proceed to download and install the OverDrive Media Console Software.  If you are using a computer running Windows, you will be prompted to complete a security upgrade in order to play protected titles.

Once you have installed OverDrive Media Console, you may begin downloading audiobooks.  Note that if you are using a PC, you can enjoy audiobooks in either MP3 or WMA format.  However, if you are using a Mac, you can download only MP3 format audiobooks.

You are now ready to begin checking out and downloading digital titles!

Return Items Early

Due to OverDrive's agreements with publisher, only MP3 audiobook titles can be returned before the lending period is up.

Return an MP3 audiobooks using OverDrive Media Console for Windows

  1. Select the title you want to return in OverDrive Media Console
  2. Click the DELETE button to display the return and delete options
  3. Click RETURN/DELETE to both return the MP3 audiobook and delete it from your computer (if you click DELETE instead, the title will be removed from your computer, but not returned to the library.

Follow these steps to return an eBook early on your app-based device:

On Android… 

  1. In the bookshelf, tap the + sign next to the title you want to return
  2. Tap RETURN/DELETE to display the return options.
  3. Tap RETURN THEN DELETE to return the title back to the library (selecting DELETE ONLY will delete the title from your device, but you will still have it checked out).

On BlackBerry…

  1. Select the eBook you want to delete.
  2. Select Menu > RETURN/DELETE to display the return options.
  3. Tap RETURN THEN DELETE to return the title back to the library (selecting DELETE ONLY will delete the title from your device, but you will still ahve it checked out).

On iPhone/iPad…

  1. From the bookshelf, tap the + button next to the title that you want to return or delete.
  2. Tap DELETE to display the return options.
  3. Tap RETURN THEN DELETE to return the title back to the library (selecting DELETE ONLY will delete the title from your device, but you will still have it checked out).

On Windows Phone 7…

  1. On the library screen, tap and hold the title you want to return.
  2. Tap RETURN/DELETE to display the return options.
  3. Tap RETURN THEN DELETE to return the title back to the library (selecting DELETE ONLY will delete the title from your device, but you will still have it check out).

 

Browse and Checkout Titles

1. Find the audiobook(s) that you would like to download.

2. Click ADD TO CART (if the item is already checked out, you will see the option to PLACE A HOLD). From the “My Cart” screen, choose PROCEED TO CHECKOUT.

3. On the “Sign In” page follow the "Minnesota State University, Moorhead users, please click here to sign into this system" link.

4. For the username enter the barcode on your MSUM ID or your DragonID preceeded by "TRM" and for the password enter your last name, then click LOGIN.

5. On the "Check Out" page, click CONFIRM CHECK OUT.

Download and Transfer Titles

1. Click DOWNLOAD under the title to launch OverDrive Media Console.

2. You will be asked where you want to save the files.  It is recommended to just click OK to allow OverDrive to create a new folder.

3. In OverDrive Media Console, double-click on the title you downloaded.

4. You will be asked "Do you want to download parts for this title now?"  Select, "Yes."  Select parts to download, then click "OK."  The download will begin. 

5. When the download is complete, connect your MP3 device to the computer.

6. Select the audiobook you want to transfer and click on the TRANSFER button at the top of the OverDrive screen.

7. Follow the prompts in the '"Transfer Wizard" to transfer the audiobook to your device.

Note:  Download times will vary with the length of the item, and the speed of your Internet connection. To download audio books more quickly, you may download in parts.

Smarphones and iPod Touch

Download eBooks and audiobooks directly to your iPhone, iPad, Android device or other app-based device with the free OverDrive Media Console app.

See the Get the App tab for more information.