ORL eBooks Collection: Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you have any eReader or tablet recommendations?

  While we don’t have any recommendations for specific eReading devices, it is important to get a device that is compatible with OverDrive (the digital book provider for the ORL eBooks Collection) if you wish to download eBooks from the library.

  View this list of compatible devices compiled by OverDrive.

  If you need help deciding between a tablet and an eReader, check out our Device Advice  info page.

   

• What eReading devices cannot be used to borrow books from the library?

  Kindle eReaders (including the 1st and 2nd Generations eReaders, DX, Keyboard, Paperwhite, or Touch) are not compatible with OverDrive. The Kindle eReader is a product of Amazon.com and that company has chosen not to work with OverDrive in terms of format compatibility for Canadian public libraries for their eReaders.

  Exception for the Amazon Fire (formerly called Kindle Fire) tablets: The OverDrive App can be used to borrow and enjoy digital books on Amazon Fire tablets.

   

• When I sign in to ORL eBooks, I receive a message saying my library card has expired. How do I get it renewed?

  To renew your card, simply call your nearest library branch to confirm your contact information, and your card is renewed! Be sure to have your library card handy when you contact staff to renew.

   

• Why can’t I find some titles or authors in the ORL eBooks Collection?

  Libraries are operating under a few challenges in terms of building a digital collection:

  • Some publishers will not release digital versions of their books to readers at the same time as the print edition.
  • Some major publishers are not currently selling digital books to public libraries. E.g., Some audiobooks are sold exclusively by Audible (owned by Amazon).  Audible currently does not make its titles available to public libraries to purchase for their patrons.
  • Library associations are working with publishers to work out a process to acquire digital books where publishers, libraries and readers all benefit.
  • eBooks and eAudiobooks are still relatively new formats, and there is minimal extra funding for these new formats. This means we have to reallocate funds within our acquisitions budget for digital books. Although we are seeing large increases in usage, it is still a relatively small percentage of our total circulation, so we are trying to find the right balance between traditional and new formats.

  You can read more about the challenges that libraries face with regards to purchasing digital books from the following link, https://econtentforlibraries.org.

   

• Why do I have to place a hold for digital books?

  Libraries purchase licences for digital books. Each licence is like one print copy of a book, in that only one person can check it out at a time. If you would like to borrow a popular eBook or eAudiobook, you may need to place a hold for it like you would a popular print book.

   

   

• I got an email notification that a hold is available to borrow, but when I log in with my library card, it doesn’t show up in my ORL eBooks Account.

  There are a few possible explanations:

  1) The hold was placed using a different library card

  The hold for the book was placed with a different library card number. If there are multiple cards in your household, please check if the hold is available under a different library card number. 

  2) You received a new library card

  If you got a replacement library card after you had placed the hold, you should be able to find the hold when logging in with the new card number.

  If you don't see your hold, please forward your emailed hold notification to help@orl.bc.ca, along with the following information: Your current library card number, your old library card number (if you know it).

   

• Can I suspend my holds?

  Yes!  

  From the Libby App: 

  • Go to Shelf, select Holds
  • Tap Manage Hold, then Suspend Hold.
  • Use the slider to choose how long you'd like to suspend your hold.
  • Tap Update Hold.

   

  From the ORL eBooks website: 

  • Sign into your  account and go to your Holds page.
  • Click or tap on the Suspend Hold button found underneath the digital book on hold).
  • Choose the number of days that you want to suspend your hold and click the Suspend button.
  • The date for when your suspension will end will now be shown next to the digital book on hold.
  • You can click on the Edit Hold button under cover image of the book to cancel the suspension or to change when you would like your hold to re-activate it. 

   

• I transferred a book to my eReader, but I can’t change the font/text size.

  Font/text size can be changed for books in the EPUB format, but not in the PDF format. Log into your ORL eBooks account to check the format of the eBook. 

  If there are other copies of the eBook available to download, or if there is no one on the wait list for the eBook, you may try returning the book, and then checking it out again in the EPUB format.

  Find out more about eBook formats differences from OverDrive Help.