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Nebraska Library Commission Website

Information for the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries Group

Access
Authentication
Circulation Policies & Settings
Collection Development (Budget)
Funding History
Hold Ratios & Additional Copies
How to Participate
Library eBook Accessibility Program (LEAP)
Mailing List
MARC Records
Marketing Materials
Meeting Materials
Monthly Circulation Reports
Non-Resident Borrowers
OverDrive Marketplace (formerly Content Reserve)
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: https://nebraska.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 virtual branch website 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:

  1. 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 SIRSI, Polaris, and Apollo using this authentication method. The ILS Vendor Settings form can be requested from and submitted to Susan Knisely.
     
  2. 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 https://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 couldn't be returned early at the time; 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 = 6 total (started with 3; went to 4 on November 1, 2008; increased to 6 on January 6, 2014)
  • 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, in addition to Nebraska eReads funds, are used to purchase content.

The group has typically divided the budget as follows:

  • Adult Fiction (current, popular, bestsellers) - 57%
  • Adult Non-Fiction (current, popular bestsellers) - 20%
  • Juvenile/Young Adult - 23%

The group currently purchase both audiobooks and eBooks:

  • Audiobooks are available in MP3 format and have been purchased regularly since the group went live in March 2008. The average cost of audiobooks purchased for the collection in 2015-2016 was $55.00.
     
  • eBooks are available in EPUB, PDF, and OverDrive READS formats and have been purchased regularly since July 2010. The average cost of eBooks purchased for the collection in 2015-2016 was $22.00.
     
  • 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@norfolkne.gov)

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 OverDrive Marketplace. (See more information about OverDrive Marketplace below.)

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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

Annual Maintenance Fee: NLC has and will continue to pay the $12,000 annual maintenance fee. Beginning in 2016, this fee will increase by $2,000 annually, for at least 5 years, so $14,000 in 2016, $16,000 in 2017, etc.

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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; in December 2013 the group voted to lower the hold ratio to 5. 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 five holds on it.

Since 2013, changes to licesning models (specifically, titles expiring after a certain number of checkouts or a certain amount of time) and cost have complicated the decision about whether or not to purchase additional copies -- or replacement copies after a licensed item expires. The group voted for the selectors to exercise personal discretion in these decisions going forward, taking into account licensing model, cost, and past circulation.

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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

OverDrive MARC Express offers ready-to-load MARC records to your library at no cost. OverDrive creates these minimum MARC records in-house and delivers them to OverDrive Marketplace the day after a content order is placed. Your library can then load the record as is, or edit to suit your specific needs.

To access MARC Express records through Marketplace, your Marketplace account must have "Download MARC records" permission. If you need this permission added to your account, please contact Susan Knisely.

For additional information, see OverDrive Resource Center MARC Records.

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Marketing Materials

Visit OverDrive's Marketing & Outreach website to download additional of print-ready and digital marketing materials.

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Meeting Materials

OverDrive Users Meeting, NLA/NSLA Conference, October 11, 2013

OverDrive Users Meeting, Lincoln/Online, November 22, 2013

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Monthly Circulation Reports

Reports include circulation statistics for each library including numbers of Advantage copies loaned to their patrons and others.

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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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OverDrive Marketplace (Formerly Content Reserve)

OverDrive Marketplace 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.

Marketplace  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 OverDrive Marketplace go to http://marketplace.overdrive.com

If you need to have your login information sent to you again or if you need to request an additional account email Susan Knisely.

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Participating Libraries

The following 173 libraries are currently participating in the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries group:

  1. Ainsworth | Ainsworth Public Library
  2. Albion | Albion Public Library
  3. Alliance | Alliance Public Library
  4. Alma | Hoesch Memorial Public Library
  5. Arapahoe | Arapahoe Public Library
  6. Arlington | Arlington Public Library
  7. Arthur | Arthur County Library
  8. Ashland | Ashland Public Library
  9. Atkinson | Atkinson Public Library
  10. Auburn | Auburn Memorial Library
  11. Aurora | Alice M Farr Library
  12. Axtell | Axtell Public Library
  13. Bancroft | Bancroft Public Library
  14. Bartley | Bartley Public Library
  15. Bassett | Rock County Public Library
  16. Battle Creek | Lied Battle Creek Public Library
  17. Bayard | Bayard Public Library
  18. Beatrice | Beatrice Public Library
  19. Beaver City | Beaver City Public Library
  20. Beemer | Karlen Memorial Library
  21. Bellevue | Bellevue Public Library
  22. Benkelman | Dundy County Library
  23. Bennington | Bennington Public Library
  24. Blair | Blair Public Library & Technology Center
  25. Bloomfield | Bloomfield Public Library
  26. Blue Hill | Blue Hill Public Library
  27. Bridgeport | Bridgeport Public Library
  28. Broken Bow | Broken Bow Public Library
  29. Bruning | Bruning Public Library
  30. Burwell | Garfield County Library
  31. Callaway | Nigel Sprouse Memorial Library
  32. Cambridge | Butler Memorial Library
  33. Central City | Central City Public Library
  34. Chadron | Chadron Public Library
  35. Chappell | Chappell Memorial Library & Art Gallery
  36. Clarkson | Clarkson Public Library
  37. Clay Center | Clay Center Public Library
  38. Clearwater | Clearwater Public Library
  39. Columbus | Columbus Public Library
  40. Cozad | Wilson Public Library
  41. Crawford | Crawford Public Library
  42. Creighton | Creighton Public Library
  43. Crete | Crete Public Library
  44. Culbertson | Culbertson Public Library
  45. Curtis | Klyte Burt Memorial Library
  46. Dakota City | Dakota City Public Library
  47. David City | Hruska Memorial Public Library
  48. Deshler | Jennifer Reinke Public Library
  49. Elgin | Elgin Public Library
  50. Elmwood | Elmwood Public Library
  51. Elwood | Elwood Public Library
  52. Emerson | Emerson Public Library
  53. Fairbury | Fairbury Public Library
  54. Fairmont | Fairmont Public Library
  55. Falls City | Falls City Library & Arts Center
  56. Franklin | Franklin Public Library
  57. Fremont | Keene Memorial Library
  58. Fullerton | Fullerton Public Library
  59. Geneva | Geneva Public Library
  60. Genoa | Genoa Public Library
  61. Gering | Gering Public Library
  62. Gibbon | Gibbon Public Library
  63. Gordon | Gordon City Library
  64. Gothenburg | Gothenburg Public Library
  65. Grand Island | Grand Island Public Library
  66. Grant | Hastings Memorial Library
  67. Gretna | Gretna Public Library
  68. Harrison | Sioux County Public Library
  69. Hartington | Hartington Public Library
  70. Hastings | Hastings Public Library
  71. Hebron | Hebron Secrest Library
  72. Hemingford | Hemingford Public Schools
  73. Hildreth | Hildreth Public Library
  74. Holdrege | Holdrege Area Public Library
  75. Hooper | Hooper Public Library
  76. Howells | Howells Public Library
  77. Humboldt | Bruun Memorial Library
  78. Humphrey | Humphrey Public Library
  79. Hyannis | Grant County Library
  80. Imperial | Lied Imperial Public Library
  81. Kearney | Kearney Public Library
  82. Kimball | Kimball Public Library
  83. La Vista | La Vista Public Library
  84. Laurel | Laurel Community Learning Center
  85. Leigh | Leigh Public Library
  86. Lexington | Lexington Public Library
  87. Louisville | Louisville Public Library
  88. Loup City | Loup City Public Library
  89. Lyons | Lyons Public Library
  90. Madison | Madison Public Library
  91. McCook | McCook Public Library
  92. Mead | Mead Public Library
  93. Meadow Grove | Meadow Grove Public Library
  94. Milford | Webermeier Memorial Library
  95. Minden | Jensen Memorial Library
  96. Mitchell | Mitchell Public Library
  97. Morrill | Morrill Public Library
  98. Nebraska City | Morton-James Public Library
  99. Neligh | Neligh Public Library
  100. Nelson | Nelson Public Library
  101. Norfolk | Norfolk Public Library
  102. North Bend | North Bend Public Library
  103. North Platte | North Platte Public Library
  104. Oakland | Oakland Public Library
  105. Ogallala | Goodall City Library
  106. O'Neill | O'Neill Public Library
  107. Orchard | Orchard Public Library
  108. Ord | Ord Township Library
  109. Orleans | Cordelia B Preston Memorial Library
  110. Osceola | Osceola Public Library
  111. Oshkosh | Oshkosh Public Library
  112. Osmond | Osmond Public Library
  113. Oxford | Oxford Public Library
  114. Palisade | Palisade Public Library
  115. Palmyra | Palmyra Memorial Library
  116. Papillion | Sump Memorial Library
  117. Pawnee City | Pawnee City Public Library
  118. Paxton | Paxton Public Library
  119. Pender | House Memorial Library
  120. Pierce | Lied Pierce Public Library
  121. Pilger | Pilger Public Library
  122. Plainview | Plainview Public Library
  123. Plattsmouth | Plattsmouth Public Library
  124. Polk | Polk Public Library
  125. Ponca | Ponca Carnegie Library
  126. Randolph | Lied Randolph Public Library
  127. Ravenna | Ravenna Public Library
  128. Red Cloud | Auld Public Library
  129. Rushville | Rushville Public Library
  130. Saint Edward | St Edward Public Library
  131. Saint Paul | St Paul Public Library
  132. Sargent | Sargent Township Library
  133. Schuyler | Schuyler Public Library
  134. Scottsbluff | Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
  135. Scribner | Scribner Public Library
  136. Seward | Seward Memorial Library
  137. Shelby | Shelby Community Library
  138. Sidney | Sidney Public Library
  139. South Sioux City | South Sioux City Public Library
  140. Spalding | Spalding Public Library
  141. Springfield | Springfield Memorial Library
  142. Stanton | Stanton Public Library
  143. Stapleton | Logan County Library
  144. Stromsburg | Stromsburg Public Library
  145. Superior | Superior Public Library
  146. Sutherland | Maxine White-Sutherland Public Library
  147. Sutton | Sutton Memorial Library
  148. Syracuse | Syracuse Public Library
  149. Tecumseh | Tecumseh Public Library
  150. Tekamah | Lied Tekamah Public Library
  151. Thedford | Thomas County Library
  152. Tilden | Raymond A Whitwer Tilden Public Library
  153. Trenton | Trenton Public Library
  154. Valentine | Valentine Public Library
  155. Valley | Valley Public Library
  156. Valparaiso | Valparaiso Public Library
  157. Verdigre | Verdigre Public Library
  158. Wahoo | Wahoo Public Library
  159. Wakefield | Gardner Public Library
  160. Walthill | Walthill Public Library
  161. Waterloo | Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library
  162. Wauneta | Wauneta Public Library
  163. Wausa | Lied Lincoln Township Library
  164. Wayne | Wayne Public Library
  165. Weeping Water | Weeping Water Public Library
  166. West Point | John A Stahl Library
  167. Western | Struckman-Baatz Public Library
  168. Wilber | Dvoracek Memorial Library
  169. Winside | Lied Winside Public Library
  170. Wisner | Wisner Public Library
  171. Wymore | Wymore Public Library
  172. York | Kilgore Memorial Library
  173. Yutan | 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!

  • Visit OverDrive's Staff Training website to register for online training sessions, view recordings of training sessions, and access additional training resources!
     
  • View recordings of online training sessions by Nebraska Library Commission staff members.
     
    • Nebraska OverDrive Libraries Basic Training
      This "basic training" session will provide brief background information on the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries group (history, funding, policy, procedure), as well as a tour of the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries digital collection website. Attendees will learn how to search and browse the website for content and borrow and place holds on titles. We’ll also review the most popular methods of reading and listening to eBooks and audiobooks, including browser- and app-based options.   This session was conducted by Susan Knisely. Date: December 7, 2017. 1:33:55. Slides (PDF)
       
    • OverDrive Marketplace: Shopping, Statistics, and Support
      Marketplace is OverDrive’s shopping and admin portal, available to library staff at http://marketplace.overdrive.com. At least one person at each Nebraska OverDrive library should have a Marketplace account. Additional staff accounts can be created upon request. This session reviews how to search the OverDrive Marketplace Shop in order to see what titles are available to purchase through OverDrive. Even if you’re not authorized to make purchases yourself (most Marketplace accounts aren’t set up with purchase permission), having access to this information can help you answer patron questions about content availability and also make informed purchase recommendations, which are always welcome. You’ll also learn how to run a variety of usage reports, access end-user support tools, and submit a support form requesting technical assistance. This session was conducted by Susan Knisely. Date: November 10, 2016. 1:22:35. Slides (PDF)  
       
    • OverDrive Advantage Plus
      This training session is aimed at Nebraska OverDrive Advantage libraries. It will provide instructions on setting up and customizing an Advantage Plus Plan in order to shar titles originally purchased for the exclusive use of your own patrons with patrons of other libraries in the Nebraska OverDrive consortium. You'll also learn about reports you can use to track circulation activity generated by your participation in the Advantage Plus program and get answers to questions about using Marketplace as an Advantage library. This session was conducted by Devra Dragos. Date: November 28, 2017. 47:33.

The following handouts may be of use to both staff and patrons:

Don't forget these helpful online resources available directly from OverDrive:

  • OverDrive Help Videos - Access short videos demonstrating how to use OverDrive.
      
  • OverDrive Device Profiles -- Each profile lists recommended software and/or apps, compatible formats, and links to articles and videos containing step-by-step instructions to help you get started with a particular device. 
     
  • OverDrive Help - Access articles on a variety of help topics.
      
  • Libby Help - Get help using Libby, the newest app from OverDrive. Libby is recommended for patrons who are new to OverDrive. Libby is available for Android, iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch), and Windows 10.

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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 login to OverDrive Marketplace and fill out a support form. 

What follows is a sampling of the types of information that may be required in order to troubleshoot a problem:

  • Patron's Library Card Number
  • Patron's PIN or last name (if applicable)
  • Title and Format (MP3, EPUB, PDF, Kindle) of Problem Media
  • Patron's Operating System (Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X, Android, iOS, 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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For more information, contact Databases.