Answered By: Nancy Schuler
Last Updated: Jun 25, 2020     Views: 278

overdrive logo

OverDrive is an ebook platform that offers access to leisure reading titles and popular non-fiction, wherever you may be. OverDrive provides instant access to ebooks that can be downloaded to your PC, tablet, or smartphone. The librarian-curated collections include recent award-winning titles, socially relevant and controversial reads, and literature classics.

Access OverDrive at the following link:

https://eckerd.overdrive.com/

 

Overdrive FAQs

Do I need to login?
Yes, once you select a title you would like to borrow, you will need to login using the Sign In link in the top right corner. Log in with your Eckerd username (exclude (@eckerd.edu’) and password. You should see the following login screen.

sample login page

How do I read an eBook? Is it similar to other eBook platforms at Eckerd?
Other eBook platforms like EBSCO eBooks or eBook Central (ProQuest) typically have you view books in the browser, or by downloading ePub versions to Adobe Digital Editions. OverDrive offers a number of ways to read a book, including the following:

  • Read books in your browser by choosing the "Read Now in Browser" button after checking out a book
  • Download books to Kindle by choosing the "Read Now with Kindle" button after checking out a book. You will need to be logged into your Amazon account in the same browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.). 
  • Download books to your iPad or tablet via the Libby app. Follow the prompts to connect your OverDrive account to view and download books.
  • Download books to your PC/Mac to read using Adobe Digital Editions (separate Adobe account needed for this). These are marked as "ePub ebooks".

Please note that not all titles are available in every format

Do I need to download any programs?
If you would like to download books to your tablet or smartphone, you will need to download either the Overdrive or Libby app appropriate to your device. Once you download the app, follow the prompts to sign in and add Eckerd’s collection to your app.  

You can also read titles on your computer via the browser or download titles to your Adobe Digital Editions account (separate Adobe login needed).

You can find specific instructions and guides for your device here

How many ebooks can I check out at once?
You can currently borrow up to 3 books at a time. Books are borrowed for 21 days and expire automatically. You may also return books early by going to My Account > Loans > and clicking the Return link shown beneath the title.

sample overdive checkout

 

What if I want to renew a book?
You cannot renew a book in Overdrive, but if it is not checked out, you can just check it out again.

Can I put a hold on a book if it is already checked out?
Yes, you can place holds on up to five titles. When a book is available, Overdrive will send you an email to let you know. 

Will these be visible through OneSearch?
For the time-being, you will need to go to the OverDrive site to see what titles are available. When the library migrates to our new OneSearch platform on July 15, you will see titles visible as 'OverDrive eBook'. 

What other eBook collections are available at the Library?
The Library also maintains a number of ebook platforms that focus on academic non-fiction titles and reference works. You can find these on our eBook Collections page.

Where can I find more instructions for using OverDrive?
Here are a couple resources to help you get setup with OverDrive:


We hope you enjoy this new collection of ebooks and look forward to hearing what you think. If you have any questions or encounter any issues using the site, don’t hesitate to Ask a Librarian via chat, e-mail, or Google Meet.
 

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Contact:

Peter H. Armacost Library
4200 54th Ave S
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Email: libref@eckerd.edu
Phone: 727-864-8337