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Boatwright Memorial Library

EBOOKS

Learn how to access and read ebooks through UR Libraries.

Ebooks and Audiobooks on OverDrive

OverDrive logoUR Libraries subscribes a variety of ebooks and audiobooks on the OverDrive platform.  Most of these were purchased for recreational reading, but they can certainly contribute to a user's research interests.  OverDrive is used mostly by public libraries, so it operates differently than our other databases.  

In order to a read an ebook or audiobook, you must download the Libby app and check out the ebook for a set period of time.  These ebooks cannot be saved or downloaded to a computer, but they can be sent to your Kindle.

How to Download OverDrive Ebooks

To download and activate Libby:

  1. Install the Libby app from your device's app store: Apple's App Store or Google Play.
     
  2. Once Libby is installed, the app will prompt you to find and sign in with your library card.  Select "Yes."
    Welcome message - First question: do you have a library card? - Select Yes.
     
  3. It will then prompt you to look up the library you have an account with.  Choose to look up the library by name or location.  In that box, type "University of Richmond."  Once it appears, select the location by tapping on it.
    You can search for your library by name or branch location  University of Richmond is entered in text box and displays as an option to select.
     
  4. Once entered, you will now be prompted as to how you wish to sign in.  Select "Enter Library Account Details."
    Select "Enter Library Account Details" to add a UR library card.
     
  5. The next prompt will tell you that you'll need to sign in elsewhere.  Select Next.  This may give you a warning that Libby wants to use a different site to sign in.  Press Continue.
    At this library, you sign into your card via a secure website. We'll open this site for you now. Select Next.  Click Continue to pop-up message "Libby wants to use overdrive.com to sign in."
     
  6. Finally sign in with your NetID and Password.  Press LOGIN once completed.
    UR login screen

If Libby is already installed and you have another library signed in, you'll have to do a few different steps to add a new library:

  1. On your Libby app, click in the bottom middle where the stacked lines are. This opens the menu where you will see the library/libraries you are currently signed in, and Help & Support.
     
  2. Click on "Add a Library."

     
  3. When prompted, enter "University of Richmond" in the search box.  Once it appears, select the location by tapping on it.

     
  4. When prompted to sign in via a different website, follow the necessary prompts.
    Screenshot of prompt to sign in via secure website. Select Next.
     
  5. You can now sign in with your NetID and Password.  Press LOGIN once completed.
    UR login screen

If you already have Libby on one device and want to add a new device, you can copy your libraries to another device from the Settings Menu.


 

You can read most borrowed ebooks with Kindle (available in the US only).  To send a book to Kindle and read it there:

  1. Go to Shelf > Loans.
     
  2. Tap "Read Books With..."
    Screenshot of "Read books with" which shows up under the Actions menu in the app.
     
  3. Tap Kindle.
    Screenshot of option to select Kindle
     
  4. You'll be taken to Amazon's website to finish getting the book.
    • If you're signed into your Amazon account, verify the "Deliver to:" device and tap "Get Library Book."
    • If you're not signed into your Amazing account, tap "Get Library Book," and sign in.
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