OverDrive Platform Updates - October 30th, 2017

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OverDrive is excited to show a preview upcoming updates to our OverDrive-powered website related to the Kindle® Book format. Working closely with Amazon, OverDrive identified opportunities to improve the discovery and borrowing experience for Kindle users.

Below is a summary of the changes scheduled to launch on Monday, October 30.

  • The Kindle Book will be the first format option presented to users on the Loans page.

  • A new option will be added to the Settings page enabling users to select Kindle Book as their preferred format. If a user selects Kindle as their preference, the Kindle Book will be the presented format for titles where it is available (with the exception of OverDrive Read-along titles). Note: Users can change or reset this preference at any time

  • When a user filters a search to Kindle Book or borrows a Kindle Book, we will present them an option to select Kindle as their preferred format going forward (unless they already have Kindle set as their preference or have declined this selection previously).

  • A new Kindle Books link will appear in the navigation menu, which will generate a search for all Kindle Books in your library’s collection, sorted by date added

  • We will add a new message at your OverDrive-powered website to promote the convenient options that are now available for Kindle users.
  • A Kindle link and icon will be added to your website’s footer as an additional way for users to discover Kindle.

 

While these are enhancements for Kindle users, other eBook and eAudiobook format users will be able to enjoy the same OverDrive experience as before.   To learn more about the different format types available on OverDrive head over to the OverDrive help files.

If you have any questions in regards to the OverDrive service or these updates, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  For technical support questions, please contact the Virtual Library team.

Comments

1
tim.spindle
Some things to know
  • From the support end of things, Kindle titles are more problematic than EPUB eBooks & OverDrive READ eBooks
  • We have more titles in the EPUB & READ formats than we do in the Kindle format
  • Kindle titles involve a lengthier check out process than do EPUB & READ titles
  • You can install the OverDrive app on a Kindle fire to enjoy EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks (you can enjoy READ eBooks in the Fire's browser, too)

While many of our members prefer to read in the Kindle format, we have other eBook formats that are easier to use, quicker to check out, and have a wider selection of titles. Don't feel like you have to push Kindle titles on members even though OverDrive is going to do so. Find what works best for the cardholder.

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