Troubleshooting: Transferring Audiobooks to an iPod

Since iPod users are accustom to using iTunes to transfer audio files to their iPod, getting audiobooks onto their devices can be a little confusing the first time. Here is the information to iPod users will need to know to listen to audiobooks on an iPod:

In order to transfer an audiobook to an iPod, you'll need to: 

• Have new versions of iTunes and the OverDrive Media Console installed on your PC or Mac.
• Download the audiobook using the default download location.
• On a PC, the audiobook should automatically open (and continue to download) with the OverDrive Media Console. On a Mac, depending on the browser used, you may have to double-click the file to open the audiobook in the OMC.
• With iTunes running and your iPod plugged into the computer, start the transfer from the OMC. 
• WMA audiobooks will take about 2-4 minutes per part to convert to a Mac-friendly file format. 

Additional Troubleshooting Hints for Librarians: 

• Make sure both iTunes and OMC are up to date. I had one case where a person had an earlier version of the OverDrive Media Console on their computer and installed a new version without uninstalling the old version. (Typically that not a problem.) In turns out the newest version (3.x) was a big upgrade, and really needs a clean installation. If you had an earlier version of the OMC installed from a year or two ago, install and reinstall the OMC. (It only take a few minutes and it's worth trying...)
• Make sure iTunes is up and running before attempting to transfer an audiobook.
• Make sure the iPod has been recognized by iTunes (you should see the name of your iPod listed on the left sidebar in iTunes.
• If this is the first time transferring an audiobook, pay attention to the prompts (given in the OMC) to make some changes to your iTunes settings.
• Always download the audiobook to the default download location, ultimately opening it with the OverDrive Media Console. Never change the download location. Always create the new folders the firest time you use the service when prompted to do so. Don't try to open the file with iTunes. The file must first be opened in the OMC to manage the DRM.

If you are new to the service, this slideshow might be helpful:
http://nhdbooks.blogspot.com/p/getting-started-with-audiobooks.html

And for those looking for more information, here's our librarian handout for PC users:
http://nhdbooks.blogspot.com/2009/10/nhdab-training-handout.html

Additional iPod Resources:

How to Delete Audiobooks from an iPod:
http://nhdbooks.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-delete-audiobooks-from-ipod.html

Handout for Mac Users:
http://nhdbooks.blogspot.com/2009/10/mp3-audiobooks-for-mac-users.html

Managing MP3 Audiobooks on an iPod:
http://nhdbooks.blogspot.com/2011/01/managing-mp3-audiobooks-on-ipod.html

Early Returns from Apple, Android, and Blackberry Devices! (EPUB eBooks & MP3 Audiobooks Only)

It is possible to return EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks early.

Here's how it works:

Done with that eBook? Ready to return it? Delete it.  That's right! (It threw me for a loop, too.)

• From the Bookshelf view >> Edit >> Delete >> Return and Delete (not just delete!)

That's was easy!

Returning eBooks and audiobooks back into the collection when you've finished reading them helps other people get their books faster and saves the public libraries money on additional duplicate copies -- money we can spend on even more eBooks and audiobooks! Thank you!

The iPad 2 as a Library eBook Reader

There are plenty of reviews about the iPad 2 as an eBook reader. But how does the iPad 2 rank as an ereader of library eBooks? Here's my take on it.

Quick Links: 

• Installing the OMC and downloading eBooks from the mobile site to the OMC
• Finding all available eBooks at once (full-featured site only)
• Returning eBooks early with Adobe Digital Editions on a PC or Mac (Outdated, but it still works)
• Returning EPUB eBooks early through the OverDrive app (New!)
• Emailing eBooks to the iPad and using the Bluefire Reader app for reading and early returns
• Checking out Kindle Books
• Returning Kindle Books early to the collection (New!)

Price:

Let's be honest, the price (starting at $500) removes the iPad as an option for many people. It's a lot of money to plunk down for an eBook reader -- and, frankly, even as an all-in-one entertainment and work device. You have to have a serious case of iPad lust to justify this purchase.

So let's say you do have a case of iPad lust and can afford it -- should you put your hopes into using the iPad as a library eBook reader? Yes. It makes a very good eBook reader.


Let's talk cons: 

• There is a glare on the glossy screen in direct sunlight or lamplight. This is not the ereader to bring to the beach. Even sitting indoors in a sunbeam can be problematic. Has this stopped me from reading (as a passenger) in a car during the day or sitting on the couch next to a southern-facing window? No. I might have to adjust the angle, but it hasn't stopped me from enjoying my eBook. 
• The battery life is great for a tablet, but if you are a heavy user or someone who pushes their email every 15 minutes, expect to charge it every day or two. The iPad doesn't hold a candle to dedicated E-Ink readers when it comes to battery life. Has this been a problem for me? Not at all. I typically charge devices regularly. 
• I really thought the size of the device would be the killer. Do I wish it was smaller and lighter? Of course! Has the size stopped me from using it? A little. There are times (especially late at night in a dark room) when I reach for my iPod Touch instead of the larger, heavier, and brighter iPad. 

Now the pros: 

• The page turns are perfection. When I first started using it I thought the pages weren't even turning since it worked so quickly. With E-Ink readers the page turns dark each time you "flip" the page. Even the newest version of the Kindle displays page turns this way. Some people really dislike this feature. If you are in this category you'll love the page turns on the iPad. 
• The physical act of turning the pages is great, too. Better, in my opinion, than any of the other dedicated compatible eBook readers available (that I've tried to date). A light tap to the left or right of the screen is enough to turn the page. And what about holding the device in your left hand, how to turn the page? Surprisingly, using your left hand you can swipe your thumb right to left from the left side of the screen to turn the page. No complaints with the act of page turning. 
• The backlit screen is both a pro and a con (the glare). However, since I read a lot in low-light settings (in the car on trips, while hubby is watching TV, etc.) this is a feature I really like. 
• Even though the size of it is listed as a con, holding it for long-term reading isn't bad. I prop it on my lap or knees for couch reading as easily as a dedicated reader. Unlike a book it stays open to the page and requires little balancing. It's light enough that when my lapdog insists getting on my lap, I can carefully perch the iPad on her without feeling guilty. (No one call PETA; she's fine!) 

Reading with the OverDrive Media Console app: 

Reading with the OverDrive Media Console app (OMC) is nice. I have no complaints with the app for reading. The app offers good settings that are easy to find by tapping on the center of the iPad screen. The app, however, is missing one very important feature. It lacks an early return feature. You'll need to install Adobe Digital Editions on a Windows or Mac computer to return the eBooks early. EPUB eBooks can be returned directly from the OverDrive Media Console app.

Reading with the Kindle app:

The Kindle version of the books in our collection can be read on the iPad with the help of the Kindle app. You'll need to install the free app and authorize it with your Amazon account. Follow the Kindle instructions to learn how to check out a Kindle Books from our NHDB collection.

The mobile version of nh.lib.overdrive.com:

I'm not a fan of the mobile version of the OverDrive site that iPad owners are restricted to using. The mobile site lacks a way to single out available EPUB titles. Recent updates has make it easy to see available EPUB and Kindle Books in our digital collection.

Getting eBooks on the iPad:

Without a doubt, the biggest plus to the iPad (and other Apple and Android devices) is the ability to download eBooks directly to the device from the mobile site. Here's my advice for an easier checkout and download process:

• Follow these instructions to install the OMC app and authorize the device with your Adobe ID.
• Browse for available eBook titles from a computer. It will allow you to easily see all available eBooks.
• Check out the eBook from the computer. 
• With the iPad, open Safari, and visit our site.
• Log into the site. 
• From "My Account" >> "Currently Checked Out Items" 
• Click download. The app will open the eBook automatically. 

Another option is to checkout, download, save, and email the EPUB file to yourself to open with the OMC or the Bluefire Reader app. The benefit of sending the file to the Bluefire app is that it will allow for early returns directly from the iPad.

Happy reading on your iPad! Let us know if what you like and dislike about reading library eBooks on your iPad. 

Quick Links: 

• Installing the OMC and downloading eBooks from the mobile site to the OMC
• Finding all available eBooks at once (Full-featured site only)
• Returning eBooks early with Adobe Digital Editions on a PC or Mac
• Returning EPUB eBooks early with the OverDrive Media Console app
• Checkout out and sending Kindle Books to a Kindle device (or app)
• Emailing eBooks to the iPad and using the Bluefire Reader app for reading and early returns

Returning eBooks Early : Apple & Android Owners

UPDATED May 25, 2011:

It is now possible to return the eBook directly from the App! See the new instructions.

It is still possible to return the eBooks using Adobe Digital Editions, but no longer necessary...

If you use your Apple or Android phone or iPod Touch to read eBooks, there is a good chance that you download the eBooks directly to the device and haven't installed the desktop software, Adobe Digital Editions.

At this time, the mobile version of the OverDrive Media Console does not include an early return feature. To return an eBook before it expires you'll need to install Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) on your Windows or Mac computer. Here's how to install ADE on your PC. The instructions for installing ADE on your Mac are similar and can be found on the Mac slideshow. (Third slideshow from the top.)

Install Adobe Digital Editions:

• Visit: http://www.adobe.com/ap/products/digitaleditions/
• Scroll down the page until you see: 

 

• Confirm the installation and work through the wizard, agreeing with the licensing, etc. 
• Install the software in the default location unless you have a fabulous reason not to. 
• Once the installation is complete, close the wizard. 

You should be prompted to authorize your computer with an Adobe ID. You must enter the same Adobe ID you used to authorize the OverDrive Media Console app on your Apple or Android device! This is important. Do not authorize your computer with a different Adobe ID. 

If you are not prompted to authorize the computer or if you accidentally close out of that option:

From Adobe Digital Editions >> Library >> Authorize Computer

 

Excellent! You have successfully installed Adobe Digital Editions and authorized the computer using the same Adobe ID used to authorize the OMC app on your mobile device. By the way, you only need to go through these installation and authorization steps once! The next eBook you return will be much quicker.

In order to return the eBook early, you need a copy of the eBook. 

• Visit the NHDB site >> Log in >> My Account >> My Currently Checked Out Items >> Download the eBook you'd like to return.

Explanation: When downloading the eBook, you're are really looking to open the file with Adobe Digital Editions. Why? Because ADE is the key to unlock the protected digital file. 

Download and open the eBook with ADE:

• Click the blue "Download" button. 
• Using Firefox or Internet Explorer, click "Open" to download and open the file with Adobe Digital Editions. 

• The eBook file will download and open in Adobe Digital Editions. 

To return the eBook: 

• From the "Library" view in Adobe Digital Editions...
• Place the mouse over the book cover.
• Notice the small arrow to the upper left of the cover...
• Click on the arrow.
• Click on "Return borrowed item."

Now revisit your NHDB account and view your currently checked out items. (Refresh the page, if necessary.) The eBook should be removed from your account.


Important: Returning too many eBooks too quickly causes an "Early Return Error" (710) message! Unfortunately I cannot find documentation from Adobe that completely describes the situation that causes this error. This seems to be the standard answer:

When I tried to return an ebook early, I got an error message: "Early Return Error" (error 710)

There is a limit to the number of ebooks that can be returned early within a short period of time. The lock out time depends on how early and how many titles have been returned early in that short period of time. Patrons will have to wait a day or so for the lock out to end. They should still be able to check out Audiobooks.

WebJunction: eBooks Troubleshooting

My Advice: Don't checkout and return more than one eBook immediately. Wait a day or so before returning a second eBook.

The OverDrive Media Console App for iPad

The official OverDrive Media Console app for the iPad has just been released. The new app can be downloaded to your computer through iTunes or the App Store directly to your iPad.

To you lucky iPad users: Let us know how it works!

Emailing eBooks to the OverDrive Media Console App for iOS

If you are like me, you find it easier to browse the NHDB site for eBooks using a desktop computer or laptop than from a mobile device. When I checkout a book from my laptop, I simply download the file, save it somewhere I'll be able to find it, and attach the file to an email to open on my iPod Touch. When I open the file on my iPod Touch, I either open and read it with the official app, OverDrive Media Console, or another free app, The Bluefire Reader. Sometimes the formatting looks better in one app than another. The big bonus of having both apps is that when I finish reading the eBook, it can be returned in a few taps from the Bluefire Reader. (No need to remember to return it from my laptop with Adobe Digital Editions.)

At this time there is no OverDrive Media Console app specifically for iPad (although the iPhone version will "work"), so I recommend the Bluefire Reader for iPad for now at least. Update- There is still no way to return eBooks early using the OverDrive Media Console, so the Bluefire Reader is still helpful in returning eBooks early with the iPad. 

UPDATE: If you have Adobe Digital Editions installed on your computer, when you click the "Download" button, ADE might take over the download and open the title on your computer. Instead of "left-clicking" the download button, right-click (two-finger tap on a Mac) to get more options. From the new pop-up menu, choose "Save link as...," and save the file to a known location.

UPDATE: EPUB eBooks can be returned directly from the OverDrive Media Console app now. See instructions. 

Download the PDF.

Emailing eBooks to Your Apple Device

Reading eBooks On an Apple Device

For people with iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches:

This handout has been revised. Check out the new handout from February 2012.

Download the PDF.

eBooks on iOS (With Graphics)

How To Delete Audiobooks From an iPod

Here is how to delete OverDrive WMA audiobooks from the iPod, iPod Touch, and iPhone.

When putting an audiobook on an iPod, the OverDrive Media Console transfers the audiobook straight to the iPod, with the assistance of iTunes. Even though iTunes is working in the background, the audiobook doesn't get stored there. You cannot delete an audiobook from the Music or Audiobooks folders within iTunes -- rather, you must find the Audiobooks or Music folder within the iPod itself (via iTunes).

• Plug in the iPod to the computer
• Open iTunes.
• Wait for iTunes to recognize the iPod.
• Click on the iPod name on the left sidebar of iTunes.
• If the folders inside the iPod are hidden, click on the small triangle to the left of the iPod name to expand the hidden folders.
• Search for the folder called "Audiobooks."**

Click on the image to see a larger version.

• Click on that folder to see the contents of the folder.
• In the main (center) section of the iTunes screen, click on the parts and press the delete button -- or right-click (Ctrl-Click on a Mac) and select delete.
• (You can always search for the name of the title to isolate the parts.)
• Safely eject the iPod and disconnect when finished.

Click on the image to see a larger version.

** MP3 audiobooks are typically found in the Music folder. Learn how to change the MP3 titles to true audiobook files.

Managing MP3 Audiobooks on an iPod

MP3 audiobooks do not have metadata to show that they are an audiobook; your iPod will only recognize these titles as music. Changing the files from music to audiobook is quick and beneficial!

• Plug in the iPod to the computer.
• Open iTunes.
• Wait for iTunes to recognize the iPod.
• Click on the iPod name on the left sidebar of iTunes.
• If the folders inside the iPod are hidden, click on the small triangle to the left of the iPod name to expand the hidden folders.
• Search for the folder called "Music."
• Click on that folder to see the contents of the folder.

(Click on the image to see a larger version.)

• In the main (center) section of the iTunes screen, located the MP3 audiobook parts.
• Select all of the parts at once. The easiest way is to click the first part, hold down the shift button, and use the down arrow key (with the shift button depressed) to select the other parts.
• Once all parts are selected, right click. (Control-Click on a Mac)

• Select "Get Info."
• Navigate to the "Options" tab. (I use the word "tab" loosely here...)
• Change the following:
  
  • Media Kind: Audiobooks
  • Compilation: Yes
  • Remember position: Yes
  • Skip when shuffling: Yes
  • Save the changes.
  • The audiobook will disappear from the Music folder and will show up in the audiobooks folder. If you did not have an audiobooks folder, be patient. Try syncing again and see if the folder shows up after a minute or so.

Read more: How to fix the order of MP3 audiobooks. 

The OMC App for Apple Devices

It is possible to download MP3 audiobooks directly to an iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone with the help of the OverDrive Media Console app. The app can be found in the iTunes store. Download and install the app the same way you install other apps to your device.

1. Open Safari to visit the mobile version of our site.
2. Visit: http://nh.lib.overdrive.com
3. The site should automatically default to the mobile site.
4. Click on the "Login" link.
5. Use the scrolling wheel to locate the name of your library. Note: you might need to know the name of your library, not just the town.
6. Enter your library card number and log in.
7. Note: If your library assigns very short numbers (less than 14 digits), please check with your librarian to see if your library was assigned a 4-digit prefix.
8. Click on the link to Browse for all MP3 fiction.
9. Unfortunately there is no way at present to browse only available MP3 audiobook titles.
10. When you find an available title you'd like to check out, add it to your cart.
11. Click on the "Proceed to Checkout" link.
12. Agree to the licensing.
13. Click "Confirm Checkout."
14. Click "Download."
15. The OMC app opens.
16. Click on the "Library" button at the bottom of your screen.
17. Click on the title. A message prompts you to download the parts.
18. Once the parts are downloaded, visit the "Library" again, click on the desired title, and start listening.

The OMC app will only manage MP3 audiobooks. To listen to WMA audiobooks, you'll need to connect your device to a PC to download and transfer WMA audiobooks to your Apple device. Remember the PC will need the following:

• OverDrive Media Console for Windows
• A current version of iTunes
• Be sure to perform the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade (Open OMC on your PC >> Tools Menu >> WMP Security Upgrade)

MP3 Audiobooks for Mac Users

This is the handout from the librarians' audiobooks workshop for learning to download MP3 audiobooks on a Mac. This handout includes information on installing the OverDrive Media Console.

This document has been revised! Please see the new handout from June 2011.

As always, please report any errors in the comments or email me directly.

Print or Save the PDF (2.1 MB): NH Downloadable Audiobooks for Mac Users - Oct09

NH Download Able Audiobooks for Mac Users - Oct09

Downloading WMA and MP3 Audiobooks to a PC

This is a tutorial/presentation on downloading WMA audiobooks to a PC and transferring them to an iPod. This includes the installation of the OverDrive Media Console.

Take a look at this slideshow to see the complete steps necessary to enjoy the large collection of WMA audiobooks on your iPod (using a PC to download and transfer the audiobooks).

Using the OverDrive Media Console - Includes iPod Transfer

View more presentations from bibliotecaria.

WMA & MP3 & iPods, oh my!

When we started the audiobooks consortium three years ago, it was a little easier to understand which players and computers would work with the service. But with the addition of MP3 audiobooks and new iPod ( & Windows) compatibility, things can get a little, well, confusing. Allow me to try to explain the formats and player compatibility:


The audiobook consortium buys two types of audiobooks: MP3 titles and WMA titles. Sometimes we only own one of the two types, sometimes both types. Before I explain why at times we cannot purchase both types, let me explain the two audiobook formats.

MP3: This is a type of audio format. Because it is the most basic format for audio files, the word "MP3"  tends to get used in a very generic manner for any type of music format or music player. MP3 files are free of DRM or Digital Rights Management.

All players that can play the WMA audiobooks can also play the MP3 titles. In addition, all Apple players, Mac computers, many generic MP3 players, and phones with MP3 playback can play these MP3 audiobooks. See a complete list of known compatible MP3 players.

WMA: This stands for Windows Media Audio. This audio format was developed by Microsoft and is a proprietary audio format. In addition to being a proprietary format, the WMA titles found in our audiobooks collection contains DRM. The DRM controls the checkout period and encrypts the audiobook after seven days, making the audiobook file useless on your computer after the loan period expires. This type of audiobook file requires a player that can handle WMA files and the Digital Rights Management. Not every MP3 player has the ability to play WMA files. Only a select number can play WMA files that include DRM. (And just to confuse things further, some players marketed as WMA players are not compatible with our service because they cannot manage the DRM. Be sure to purchase a WMA player that can play WMA DRM files.)

Update: From OverDrive's FAQs

In order to use OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles on a device other than an iPod or an iPhone, the device must play DRM-protected Windows Media content, and either support the bit rate of 32kbps or be able to transcode 32kbps files to a supported bit rate. You may want to check device documentation to determine if a device supports DRM-protected Windows Media content encoded at 32kbps.

For this reason, if you are looking to purchase a new player (other than an iPod) that will work with this system, I strongly encourage you to view the list of compatible WMA (DRM) players and purchase a player from this list.

iPod Compatibility: Until last week, iPod users could only play the MP3 audiobooks. Why? Because the Windows-based (WMA DRM) audiobooks could not be downloaded to a Mac computer or transferred to an Apple-based player.

So what's changed in the past week? A lot! I'm happy to say that if you have access to a Windows-based computer, you can plug in your iPod and transfer a WMA audiobook to it. You'll need to have the newest version of the OverDrive Media Console (version 3.2),  iTunes installed on the Windows computer and set aside plenty of time to transfer the audiobook to your iPod, but it works! I'll be putting together a longer set of instructions in the near future...

Mac Compatility: But what if you use a Mac computer? If you are a Mac user, like me, I'm sorry to say that the Windows-based WMA audiobooks cannot be downloaded to a Mac. According to OverDrive, they do not have plans to develop a way to make the WMA audiobooks available to Mac computer users.

Personally, I was able to connect my iPod to a Windows-based computer and transfer the audiobook without any problems when I reconnected it to my Mac. There is a note in OverDrive's tech support instructions stating that only Windows formatted iPods will be compatible with the WMA audiobooks. However, my iPod touch had never been used on a Windows-based computer, and was able to accept the WMA audiobook transfer. Please comment on the sucess or failures you've had with your iPods!

Purchasing Formats: So why do we sometimes own only one format or both formats of an audiobook? As I mentioned earlier, until recently, we could only purchase WMA audiobooks. This spring, we had the opportunity to purchase MP3 audiobooks, thereby making the service a little iPod and Mac-friendly.

Only a few audiobook publishers create their content in MP3 format. A vast majority of publishers only release their content (to us) in the WMA DRM format. For that reason, a majority of our titles will continue to be in the WMA format. However, when a title is published in both WMA and MP3 format, I tend to purchase the title as an MP3 so Mac users will be able to enjoy the audibook, too!

So, this was a lot longer and more confusing than I hoped it would be! In summary:

• If you've been using the service for a while now, just know that since you are using a compatible WMA (DRM) player, you can enjoy any audiobook.
• If you are a Mac user, you will only be able to use the MP3 audiobooks.
• If you are an iPod user and have access to a PC, you will be able to checkout all of the MP3 titles and a majority of the WMA titles. (Look at the Digital Rights Information listed at the bottom of each audiobook record and see if the transfer to an iPod device is permitted. Some publishers of WMA audiobooks have decided to not allow their audiobooks to be transferred to an iPod.)
• If you have a non-iPod and non-WMA DRM player, but your player (or phone) is listed as a known compatible player of the MP3 audiobooks, you can listen to any of the MP3 titles.

In an upcoming post, I hope to cover Windows to iPod transfers.