Information for the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries Group
Access
Authentication
Circulation Policies & Settings
Collection Development (Budget)
Content Reserve
Download Stations
Funding History
Hold Ratios & Additional Copies
How to Participate
Library eBook Accessibility Program (LEAP)
Mailing List
MARC Records
Marketing Materials
Non-Resident Borrowers
Participating Libraries
Staff Training & Patron Assistance
Troubleshooting
Access
To view, checkout, and download digital titles owned by the Nebraska
OverDrive Libraries Group, patrons of member libraries can go directly to
the group's virtual branch website, located at:
http://nebraska.lib.overdrive.com.
Some member libraries also provide access to digital titles directly via
MARC records in their online catalogs.
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Authentication
While anyone can go to the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries Digital Library
Reserve site and browse or search to see what titles are included in the
collection, only authorized patrons of member libraries may sign in in order
to checkout and download titles. There are two primary ways in which member
libraries can authenticate their patrons:
- Libraries that use an integrated library system (ILS) that supports
remote patron authentication can set up authentication directly with
OverDrive by filling out and submitting an ILS Vendor Settings form. The
data submitted via this form
enables OverDrive to authenticate (or block) patrons based on real-time
data from the ILS. In our consortium we have member libraries with
SIRS, Polaris, and Apollo using this authentication method. The ILS
Vendor Settings form can be requested from and submitted to
Susan Knisely.
- Libraries that use an ILS that doesn't support remote patron
authentication (e.g. Follett) can have the Nebraska Library Commission
handle patron authentication to OverDrive for them. In order for the
Nebraska Library Commission to
do this libraries will need to submit patron data (specifically
barcodes) for all patrons they want to have access to OverDrive.
Libraries will need to provide updated patron data to the Nebraska
Library Commission when they issue new cards or delete patron accounts.
To assist libraries in updating patron data on file with the
Nebraska Library Commission we have created a password-protected page on
our website that allows libraries to quickly and easily update patron data. This
page is located at
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/overdrive/patronupload.asp and can
be used to:
- Add a Library Card Number
- Delete a Library Card Number
- Upload a File Containing Multiple Library Card Numbers
Individual library card number additions and
deletions will take effect
immediately, in real time. Uploaded files are handled manually by Library
Commission staff.
Please allow several days for uploaded files to be processed. Login
information needed to to access this page is available upon request from
Susan Knisely or
Devra Dragos.
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Circulation Policies & Settings
The following circulation policies and settings
have been established by vote by libraries participating in the
Nebraska OverDrive Libraries Group. These settings can and should be
reevaluated in response to patron feedback and patterns of use. Changes can
be made at the discretion of the group.
- Circulation period for audiobooks = 7 or 14 days
(started with 14 days; changed to 7 days on June 16, 2008 due in part to
the fact that audiobooks can't be returned early; changed to patron
choice 10-26-11)
- Circulation period for eBooks = 7, 14 or 21 days (eBooks CAN be returned early;
started with 21 days; changed to patron choice 10-26-11)
- Number of titles a patron can check out at
one time = 4 total (started with 3; went to 4 on November 1, 2008)
- Number of titles a patron can have in "My
Cart" at one time = 5
- Number of minutes a title will stay in "My
Cart" after patron places it there = 30 minutes
- Number of titles a patron can have on hold
at one time = 3
- Number of days a title placed on
hold will be reserved for the patron once it becomes available for the
patron to check out = 3
days (starting when a notice is emailed informing the patron the title is
available)
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Collection Development
(Budget)
Annual participation fees submitted by
participating libraries are used to purchase content. As of October 1, 2011,
collection development funds for the 2011-12 term totaled $81,765.80.
The group has typically divided the budget as
follows:
- Adult Fiction (current, popular,
bestsellers) - 65%
- Adult Non-Fiction (current, popular
bestsellers) - 20%
- Juvenile/Young Adult - 15%
The group currently purchase both audiobooks and
eBooks:
-
Audiobooks are available in WMA and MP3
formats and have been purchased regularly since the group went live in
March 2008. The average cost of audiobooks purchased for the collection
is $47.00.
-
eBooks are available in EPUB and PDF
formats and have been purchased regularly since July 2010. The average
cost of eBooks purchased for the collection is $14.00.
-
The group made its first eBook purchase in July 2010 using funds
appropriated from the audiobook budget. Starting in October 2010, 1/3 of
the total budget was allocated for eBooks and 2/3 for
audiobooks. In April 2011, based on high demand for eBooks, the group
voted to shift funds into the
eBook budget so that approximately 1/2 of the budget goes for eBooks and
1/2 our budget goes for audiobooks.
Primary collection development responsibilities
are currently shared by two volunteer selectors from member libraries, both
of whom happily welcome title suggestions:
-
Mary Jo Mack, Director of
the John A. Stahl Library in West Point currently purchases adult
fiction. (Email title suggestions to
maryjo@wplibrary.com)
-
Karen Drevo, Youth
Services Librarian at Norfolk Public Library currently purchases adult
non-fiction and JUV/YA titles. (Email title suggestions to
kdrevo@ci.norfolk.ne.us)
Title suggestions may also be emailed to
Nebraska Library Commission staff members
Susan Knisely
or
Devra Dragos.
To search the complete catalog of titles
available to purchase, member librarians are encouraged to login to
Content Reserve and go to Marketplace. (See more
information about Content Reserve below.)
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Content Reserve
Content Reserve is the password-protected
acquisition, circulation, and site management portal for OverDrive's Digital
Library Reserve system. It allows authorized library staff to review titles
available for purchase, generate usage reports and statistics, reactivate
download links, and more.
Content Reserve accounts have been set up for
directors of participating libraries. Accounts can be set up for additional
staff members of participating libraries upon request.
To access Content Reserve go to
http://www.contentreserve.com/Login.asp
If you need to have your login information sent
to you again or if you need to request an additional account email
Susan Knisely.
Note to Firefox users: Content Reserve is only compatible with Internet
Explorer. If you want to access Content Reserve while using Firefox there is
a Firefox add-on called IEtab that will allow you to open a tab in Firefox
that is treated as IE.
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Download Station
The OverDrive Download Station is optional software that enables a public
PC with Internet access in the library to become a self-service OverDrive Media download
kiosk. The OverDrive Download Station currently supports the download and
transfer of audiobooks but not eBooks. This software is designed to support
self-service downloads by patrons in the library, with limited staff
involvement.
Although not a requirement, several libraries participating in the
Nebraska OverDrive Libraries group have chosen to purchase this optional,
supplemental software.
Special pricing on OverDrive Download Station software for Nebraska
OverDrive Libraries group members is available upon request; please email
Susan Knisely for more information.
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Funding History
Funding for year one of the Nebraska OverDrive
Libraries Group consisted of the following:
- One-time cost to create group website: $28,000 (Nebraska Library
Commission)
- Year one maintenance fee: $12,000 (Nebraska Library Commission)
- Year one content budget: $28,552.34 (Participating Libraries)
- One-time content subsidy: $20,000 (Nebraska Library Commission)
Total Year One Budget: $88,552.34 / Year One
Content Budget: $48,552.34
Set-Up Fee: OverDrive waived
the $500 one-time set-up fee for libraries that joined the group before the
March 10, 2008 "Go Live" date, but libraries joining after this date have
been and will be required to pay this one-time fee in addition to their
annual participation fee.
Annual Maintenance Fee: NLC
has and will continue to pay the $12,000 annual maintenance fee.
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Hold Ratios & Additional Copies
In October 2011 the group voted to lower our target hold ratio (the
number of holds on a title divided by the number of copies owned) from 8 to
6. This means that whenever possible we will buy additional copies of titles
so that there is at least one copy of the title for every six holds on it.
This process of monitoring hold ratios and purchasing additional copies
is accomplished in part through manual staff intervention, but we also use
the Holds Manager service, available in the collection development area of
the Content Reserve administrative module, to partially automate the task.
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How to Participate
To learn how your Nebraska public library can participate in our group,
jump to our OverDrive Pricing Page.
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Library eBook Accessibility Program (LEAP)
The Nebraska OverDrive Libraries group began participating in the Library
eBook Accessibility Program (LEAP) in January 2012. LEAP is the result of a
partnership between OverDrive and
Bookshare, a non-profit agency that provides timely eBook access to
individuals with print disabilities. LEAP offers a free one-year Bookshare membership to print-disabled patrons of participating OverDrive
libraries. Please note that there is no cost to our libraries and no cost to
qualified patrons for participating in LEAP! Each patron's subscription at
Bookshare will be paid by OverDrive for a full year. For more information
about the program please refer to the documents linked below:
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Mailing List
At least one staff member from each
participating library should be signed up for the
Nebraska OverDrive mailing list,
where concerns, announcements, and general information about the Nebraska
OverDrive Libraries project are shared. Additional staff members from
participating libraries are welcome to sign up as well.
To post a message to the group send an email to
NEBRASKAOVERDRIVE@nlc.state.ne.us
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MARC Records
When the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries Group first started in March 2008, a portion of
our collection development funds
was used to purchase MARC
records for all titles added to the collection. These MARC records were
purchased from OCLC at a cost of $1.50 per record. In fall 2008, a survey of the group
revealed that only a few libraries were actually adding
these records to their catalogs. Based on these findings, the group voted to
stop purchasing MARC records.
Since that time, in lieu of MARC records, OverDrive has provided the
group with Excel files of metadata corresponding to each content purchase
made by the group. Although
not terribly useful in and of themselves, Library Commission staff have retained these
files in case any library wanted to tackle the cataloging task itself.
That brings us to summer 2011, when one of the member libraries was exploring options for adding MARC records for
OverDrive titles to its Apollo Biblionix catalog. Upon learning that
the Nebraska Library Commission had metadata files for all
purchased OverDrive content, Biblionix representative Clark Charbonnet requested a sample file to experiment with.
Clark soon announced that Biblionix would be able to automatically convert data from
these files into simple MARC records, which could then be added to the
catalogs of Biblionix library customers who participate in the Nebraska
OverDrive Group. In addition, Clark and Biblionix graciously agreed to
make these same MARC records available free of charge to any
member of the group that is interested, regardless of what ILS they use.
Interested member libraries can now sign up to automatically receive MARC records for new titles added to the collection directly from Biblionix. Records are also available upon
request from the Nebraska Library Commission. To learn more about either
method of obtaining records, contact
Susan Knisely.
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Marketing Materials
OverDrive provided the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries group with an initial
supply of professionally printed marketing material. That material was
distributed to group members in March 2008. Additional supplies can be
ordered from OverDrive, or printed locally using the files below. A web
graphic is also available for use on your website.
* Revised as of 9/14/2010
Additional resources to help you promote your download service are
available through the OverDrive Partner Services
Marketing Kit.
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Non-Resident Borrowers
Libraries that participate in the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries group are
strongly encouraged to have written non-resident borrower policies in place
that outline not only who is eligible for a non-resident card, but also what
services non-resident card holders are entitled to use.
It is understood that libraries in the group will arrive at different
policies based on their different local situations (funding source,
philosophy, geography, etc.). However, libraries should keep in mind the
following clause from the OverDrive license agreement: "It is agreed
that the criteria for defining Authorized Patron shall include some
restrictions from allowing users with no practical physical access to the
Library's location."
It should also be noted that licensed, online/electronic resources are
outside the scope of the NebrasKard program.
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Participating Libraries
The following 141 libraries are currently participating in the Nebraska
OverDrive Libraries group:
- Ainsworth Public Library
- Albion Public Library
- Alice M Farr Library
- Alliance Public Library
- Arapahoe Public Library
- Arlington Public Library
- Arthur County Library
- Ashland Public Library
- Atkinson Public Library
- Auburn Memorial Library
- Auld Public Library
- Bancroft Public Library
- Lied Battle Creek Public Library
- Beatrice Public Library
- Beaver City Public Library
- Bellevue Public Library
- Bennington Public Library
- Blair Public Library
- Bloomfield Public Library
- Blue Hill Public Library
- Bridgeport Public Library
- Broken Bow Public Library
- Bruning Public Library
- Bruun Memorial Library
- Butler Memorial Library
- Central City Public Library
- Chadron Public Library
- Chappell Memorial Library
- Columbus Public Library
- Crawford Public Library
- Creighton Public Library
- Crete Public Library
- Deshler Public Library
- Elmwood Public Library
- Emerson Public Library
- Fairbury Public Library
- Falls City Public Library
- Franklin Public Library
- Fullerton Public Library
- Gardner Public Library
- Garfield County Library
- Geneva Public Library
- Gering Public Library
- Gibbon Public Library
- Goodall City Library
- Gordon City Library
- Gothenburg Public Library
- Grand Island Public Library
- Gretna Public Library
- Hartington Public Library
- Hastings Memorial Library
- Hastings Public Library
- Hebron Secrest Library
- Hemingford Public Schools
- Hildreth Public Library
- Hoesch Memorial Public Library
- Holdrege Area Public Library
- Hooper Public Library
- House Memorial Library
- Howells Public Library
- Hruska Memorial Public Library
- Humphrey Public Library
- Lied Imperial Public Library
- Jensen Memorial Library
- John A Stahl Library
- Karlen Memorial Library
- Kearney Public Library
- Keene Memorial Library
- Kilgore Memorial Library
- Kimball Public Library
- Laurel Community Learning Center
- La Vista Public Library
- Lexington Public Library
- Lincoln Township Library
- Louisville Public Library
- Loup City Public Library
- Lyons Public Library
- Madison Public Library
- McCook Public Library
- Mead Public Library
- Mitchell Public Library
- Morrill Public Library
- Morton-James Public Library
- Neligh Public Library
- Nelson Public Library
- Norfolk Public Library
- North Bend Public Library
- North Platte Public Library
- Oakland Public Library
- O'Neill Public Library
- Ord Township Library
- Osceola Public Library
- Oshkosh Public Library
- Pawnee City Public Library
- Paxton Public Library
- Lied Pierce Public Library
- Pilger Public Library
- Plainview Carnegie Library
- Plattsmouth Public Library
- Polk Public Library
- Ponca Carnegie Library
- Lied Randolph Public Library
- Raymond A Whitwer Tilden Public Library
- Rock County Public Library
- Rushville Public Library
- Saint Edward Public Library
- Saint Paul Public Library
- Schuyler Public Library
- Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
- Scribner Public Library
- Seward Memorial Library
- Shelby Community Library
- Sidney Public Library
- Sioux County Public Library
- South Sioux City Public Library
- Springfield Memorial Library
- Stanton Public Library
- Stromsburg Public Library
- Struckman-Baatz [Western] Public Library
(coming October 2013)
- Sump Memorial Library
- Superior Public Library
- Sutherland Public Library
- Sutton Memorial Library
- Syracuse Public Library
- Tecumseh Public Library
- Tekamah Carnegie Public Library
- Thomas County Library
- Trenton Public Library
- Valentine Public Library
- Valley Public Library
- Verdigre Public Library
- Wahoo Public Library
- Wauneta Public Library
- Wayne Public Library
- Webermeier Memorial Library
- Weeping Water Public Library
- Wilson Public Library
- Lied Winside Public Library
- Wisner Public Library
- Wymore Public Library
- Yutan Public Library
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Staff Training & Patron Assistance
To prepare your staff to assist patrons with OverDrive, be sure to take
advantage of training opportunities!
- View recorded online training sessions offered by Nebraska Library Commission staff members.
- Nebraska OverDrive
Libraries Group New Members Training (February 2013) — This is the training session offered to new
member libraries right before they "go live." This session was conducted by Susan
Knisely and Devra Dragos. Date: February 20, 2013.
- OverDrive Tips & Tricks —
This training covers the OverDrive Content Reserve administrative
module, specifically how to access usage reports and search
Marketplace. Background information on consortium policies and
procedures, as well as search tips and patron settings for the user
interface are also included. This session was conducted by Devra
Dragos and Susan Knisely. Date: January 11, 2012.
- View presentation slides and handouts from the Nebraska Library
Commission's Introduction to eBooks & eReaders class:
- Visit OverDrive's
Online
Learning Center to register for online training sessions, view
recordings of training sessions, and access additional training
resources! The following four recorded training sessions are a great
place to start; just fill out the recording registration form and you'll
have immediate access!
- Just the
Basics — Learn how to browse, check out, and download
OverDrive titles. At the end of this course, staff should feel
comfortable answering basic questions about your OverDrive Service.
(45 minutes)
- Going
Mobile — Preview instructional videos for OverDrive’s mobile app
and various devices. Check back often for new series. Important:
Please do not link to these videos as they are in a developmental
phase.
- Patron
Assistance — We'll help take your understanding of your
OverDrive service to the next level so you can share your knowledge
through support and training. We'll review frequently asked
questions, support tips, and online help resources. (60 minutes)
- Real-Time
Reports — We'll showcase reports which best track
circulation, new patrons, site traffic, and popular titles. Your
team can then evaluate how your Virtual Branch is doing and chart a
path to future success. (40 minutes)
The following resources may be of use to both staff and patrons:
Several member libraries have also shared copies of "How To" brochures
they have created for their patrons:
Last but not least, don't forget these helpful resources available
directly from the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries website:
- Going Mobile
Videos - Access short videos demonstrating how to use OverDrive on
various mobile devices.
-
My Help! -
Provides customized help based on what you want to do (read eBooks or
listen to audiobooks) and what device you have.
-
OverDrive Help - Access
articles on a variety of help topics.
-
OverDrive Digital Books Tour - Tour the basics of eBooks,
audiobooks, and more.
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Troubleshooting
The first line of defense for patrons who experience problems with
OverDrive should be their local librarian. If the local librarian is unable
to troubleshoot the problem, the librarian can contact
Susan Knisely at the Nebraska Library Commission or email OverDrive
Support at
support@libraryreserve.com. (The OverDrive Support email address is for
use by librarians only and should not be distributed to patrons.) To assist
OverDrive Support in troubleshooting your patron's problem, please provide
the following information along with a detailed description of the problem:
- Patron's Library Card Number
- Patron's PIN or last name (if applicable)
- Title and Format (WMA, MP3, EPUB, PDF) of Problem Media
- Patron's Operating System (Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X,
etc.)
- Patron's Browser and Version Number (IE 7.x, Firefox 3.x, etc.)
- Device that patron is using
- Text and/or screen shot of any error messages
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