News for Kindle Touch Users

May 7, 2012 | Niall | Comments (1)

You may have read about the recent news about about Amazon’s Kindle Touch 3G – a top-of-the-line digital book reader, finally arriving in Canada a half-year after its launch in America. 

Kindle-Touch-1024x708
We would like to remind those users who wish to use this reader that, unfortunately, Kindle-compatible ebooks are not yet an option for Canadian libraries.

We wrote about the availability of eBooks for Kindle previously on our blog, explaining that there are many other devices compatible with Adobe PDF and EPUB ebooks offered at TPL. Amazon has separate agreements with publishers, distributors, and cellular carriers in Canada, and this means separate legal arrangements for Kindle library lending. As always, Toronto Public Library will continue to monitor developments in this area.

 

Accessing TPL eBooks and Audiobooks on your Blackberry Playbook

February 24, 2012 | Niall | Comments (3)

The recently released BlackBerry OverDrive Mobile App and new OS (2.0) for Blackberry Playbook allows users to access ebooks and audiobooks through their device.   Some have experienced difficulties getting this app to work properly so we’ve compiled some instructions to help users. Try following these steps to get ebooks working on your BlackBerry Playbook.

OverDrive Mobile App for BlackBerry Playbook

Download OS 2

  • Tap "Settings" on your Playbook (upper right hand corner)
  • Select "Software Updates"
  • Tap "Check for Updates"  and download the new operating system

Get the OverDrive App

  • Tap on the "App World" icon on the Playbook
  • Enter “Overdrive Media Console” in the search box
  • On the results page, select OverDrive’s mobile app
  • Tap “Download” to install the app
  • When the download completes, open it and select “Yes” to grant trusted application status

Authorize Your Device.

  • Open the OverDrive mobile app already installed on your Blackberry Playbook
  • Swipe down from the top of the screen to see the options menu for the app
  • Select "App Settings"
  • Scroll down the App Settings screen until you see where to enter your Adobe ID and password and tap “Authorize”
  • If you do not have an Adobe ID, tap the button to obtain a free ID and fill out the form on the Adobe website

Add TPL to your Library List

  • Open OverDrive’s mobile app on your BlackBerry Playbook
  • Swipe down from the top of the screen to see the options menu for the app
  • Select "Get Books"
  • Tap "Add a Library" and enter “Toronto Public Library” in the search box and tap “Search” 
  • Select any TPL branch displayed in the results
  • Tap the star next to the library name to add it to your library list
  • Tap the library name to visit TPL’s mobile OverDrive site

Download Ebooks

  • From the TPL mobile OverDrive site, use the buttons at the top of the screen to Browse or Search for Adobe EPUB ebooks or MP3 audiobooks
  • Check the box to show only available titles
  • Once you’ve found a title, tap “Add to Cart”
  • When you’re ready to checkout, tap “Proceed to Checkout” from within your cart
  • Log in with your library card number and PIN when prompted
  • Tap “Confirm Checkout”
  • Tap “Download” beneath the title in your OverDrive bookshelf
  • The title will download to your Playbook and open, ready for you to enjoy!

 

Improvements to holds and overdue notification

February 22, 2012 | Dara Renton | Comments (27)

Update February 23 12:10 PM: Sorry some of you received phone calls as well as emails. This was a temporary glitch in the transition to the new system and should be fixed now.

Update February 22 10:00 PM: A number of you have informed us that you are now receiving both phone and email notices or you are unexpectedly receiving telephpone notices. Please contact us to report these issues through the webite at http://www.tpl.ca/contact. Thank you.

As of today, February 22, 2012, email notification subscribers will receive improved hold and overdue email notification. 

This change marks the first phase of a series of improvements to the email notification service.

What has changed?

The changes in the first phase include:

  • Title and author information for all items
  • Easy to read date information (e.g. Monday, Mar. 12, 2012 instead of 12/03/2012)
  • Improved layout and links to items, locations, and help information 
  • More reliable delivery

  Holds Notice Email

What do I have to do to get the new notices?

If you have already been receiving hold and overdue notifications by email

You don’t need to do anything – you will begin receiving the new notices automatically. You may want to add the sender notifications@torontopubliclibrary.ca to your contact list and mark it as “not spam” or a “safe sender” to ensure that notifications do not end up in your junk mail folder.

If you are currently receiving library notifications by telephone

You need to switch your notification preference to email. You can do this yourself by submitting your email address in the Account Settings tab in your account, or you can ask our Answerline service or the staff at any branch to make the change for you.

If you’re not sure whether you’re signed up for email or telephone notification

Contact us or talk to staff at your branch – we can check your current settings and make sure we have the correct email address on file for you.

 

I tried using email notification in the past, but had problems. Should I try again?

Yes! There have been issues in the past with the reliable delivery of email notification. As part of these improvements, we are using a new email service that will provide more reliable delivery.

 

I want to be notified before my items are due.

This option is coming in the second phase of improvements later this year. We’ll provide more information as soon as this new service is ready to go. In addition, a number of other options and changes to the email notification service are planned so stay tuned.

Why are some books not available as eBooks at the Library?

February 8, 2012 | Niall | Comments (1)

Ebooks are certainly popular here at the Toronto Public Library!  While it’s true that the ebook collection at TPL is growing all the time, you might find some newer titles curiously absent from the collection.  Since ebooks first arrived, many TPL patrons have enjoyed being able to access the latest and greatest titles in electronic format. It has been a model publishers, vendors, and libraries have all agreed provides the most reasonable and equitable form of access.  Now, some publishers have different ideas of how the ebook library lending model should look in the future. 

On this important topic, CBC’s The National reported recently that major publishers' concerns over piracy are impacting long established library book lending practices.  See the following video for the full report.

Cbc story ebooks feb 2012

If you’re an avid ebook fan, or if you’re simply curious about how the program works, please watch this enlightening piece.  As TPL patrons have come to learn, the greatness of ebooks is not going away. But for the time being, we must work within an industry which is navigating uncharted digital waters. 



Penguin Group halting new eBook additions for Library lending

November 24, 2011 | Niall | Comments (0)


It was just announced that Penguin publishers will be halting distribution of newly-released titles to the Overdrive service, citing security concerns.  

Kobo-eBook-reader-007

Access to all older Penguin ebooks has been restored, however. The 'Get For Kindle' option was also recently removed, but this does not affect Canadian libraries since Kindle versions are not provided through Overdrive currently. 

Penguin pulishers halts distribution of their new titles in ebook format and pulls newest books from library e-book lending programs 

Users who are seeking new Penguin ebooks may not find the materials they are looking for until this issue is resolved. We will make further notifications as news arrives.

 

 

How to use the Kobo Vox to download TPL eBooks

November 17, 2011 | Niall | Comments (2)

The Kobo Vox is one of the latest offerings of the many available eReader/Tablet devices.  To access and read library materials through the Vox you must use the OverDrive app since, as an Android tablet, it does not currently support Adobe Digital Editions.

Kobo Vox Android Tablet


Installing OverDrive Media Console on the Kobo Vox:

  •  Make sure your VOX is connected to a Wi Fi network 

  • Tap the Home icon  

  • Tap All Apps  

  • Tap Browser 
  • Agree to the terms at the bottom of the page - the download will start
  • After the download is complete open the notifications bar by dragging down from the top, or tap the Menu icon and tap Notifications
  • Tap on the Overdrive download (ODMediaConsoleSetup.apk) in order to install
  • Tap Install
  • Tap Open once the installation is complete
  • Tap Close in the About OverDrive Media Console window
  • OverDrive is installed in the All Apps section

Once you have the application installed you will have to register your OverDrive Media Console for Android. See Instructions for Registering your Device.

For more information on using OverDrive Media Console, please see the OverDrive Support Pages.

Date and Time Settings

Another important aspect of using this device is that users should ensure that they have set the proper time zone.   When it is not set correctly, you may have problems opening ebooks since your device may report that new items have already expired.

To change the date and time:

  • Tap the Home button 

  • Tap the All Apps  

  • Tap Settings

  • Scroll down and tap Date & time

  • Tap Set date

  • Enter the current month, date, and year

  • Tap Set to save your settings.

  • Tap Select time zone

  • Select the time zone youʼre currently in (GMT-5:00 EST)

  • Tap Set time

Managing your eBook holds

November 17, 2011 | Niall | Comments (4)

Is your eBook or eAudiobook not available? Place it on hold.

Sometimes it is case that you find no available titles of the digital materials you seek. Due to publisher’s restrictions, the library may lend out only a limited number of copies of digital materials, just as if they were print materials.

However, like printed materials, you may place items ‘on hold’ so that you may check them out once they become available.

How do I place items on hold?

When viewing a particular item in Overdrive you will see how many available copies exist.  When 0 copies are available you’ll also see how many patrons are currently on the waiting list.

  Placing Holds on eBooks in Overdrive



Use the ‘Place a Hold’ button to add your name to the waiting list.  You’ll be prompted to log in with your library card number and pin if you haven’t already. You’ll also be asked to confirm your email address.

What happens when I place an item on hold?

A title you place on hold will be reserved for you to check out once it becomes available. You can place up to 10 titles on hold at a time. When the title is available for you, we will email you instructions on checking the item out.

The item will be held for you for 4 days after we email you.

How can I view my holds?

Log in to the Overdrive home page  http://toronto.lib.overdrive.com
 
Click the Account tab – if you aren’t logged in already, you’ll be prompted to log in with your library card number and pin.  
 
Click the 'My Holds' link. 

Reviewing your holds in Overdrive


The titles that you have currently placed on hold are displayed. 

How can I check out my holds?

If you have received a notification that your holds that are available they will have an 'Add to Cart' option at the very right of them, while unavailable holds will have the 'Remove | Edit' options. Select 'Add to cart'

You will be directed to your cart, and your hold will no longer be in the Holds section but will be transferred to your cart.   Items in your cart have a 30 minute time limit to check out.

   Checking Out/Downloading eBooks

 Click 'Proceed to checkout', then select a loan option from the pull-down menu: 7, 14, or 21 days.  When you have selected your loan period, click  'Confirm Check Out'.
Checking Out/Downloading Process for eBookss Overdrive

A download link appears allowing you to download it to your computer. There is no need to immediately download it.  The item is kept in your Bookshelf under the 'Account' section, and will be available for download during the lending period. 

How can I cancel my holds?

When you are viewing your Holds in the Account section, items still unavailable will have a ‘Remove| Edit’ link next to them.  Select ‘Remove’ to cancel the hold on the item.

  Cancelling Holds on eBooks Overdrive

 

Toronto Public Library Website ** Services Restored

October 31, 2011 | Dara Renton | Comments (70)

**Services restored as of 4:15 PM**

Great news: the website is back up! We apologize for the inconvenience which was triggered by the recent US snowstorm. Related to this problem, you will notice that book cover images and summaries are temporarily unavailable. Thanks for your patience.

Our main website is still unavailable. Technology staff are working to restore services as a top priority.

We know this is very inconvenient for you and we sincerely apologize for the prolonged outage. Here are a few links * you may find useful in the meantime. 

* Library card required

 

Looking for another database?

Comment below and we'll add more links. 

 

Looking for a library branch or a branch phone number?

Google Map of Toronto Public Library Branches

 

Worried about getting fines?

You can renew items by telephone at 416-395-5505. For other information about your account contact or visit your local branch.

 

Information about contacting the Library

  • If you are a member of the media and/or would like board reports or other information, please email media@torontopubliclibrary.ca 
  • For Information about events in branches call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
  • For Information about Appel Salon events at the Toronto Reference Library, call 416-393-7001

We hope to have this resolved as soon as possible, thank you for your patience and understanding. 

---

Updated Monday 5:45 PM with information about fines.

Updated Tues 11:50 AM with Naxos Music Library

Updated Tues 4:15 PM with services restored message


Returning eBooks and eAudiobooks

October 19, 2011 | Niall | Comments (3)

Book return

You’ve finally finished reading your latest eBook from TPL and want to make it available for other library users.  Or, you’ve reached your checkout limit and want to free up space for additional checkouts.

Many people are wondering, is it possible to return eBooks early? The answer is, absolutely!

If you are using Adobe Digital Editions on a Windows or Mac-based desktop computer, the icon for a title in your bookshelf view will have a small triangle (Item Options) at the top left of it, which when clicked will show a pull-down menu, including "Return Borrowed Item". Select this to return the item and have it removed from your bookshelf.

Click here for more detailed instruction on returning EPUB eBooks.  

Click here for more detailed instruction on returning PDF eBooks.

If you are using Sony Reader Library on a desktop computer, you can right-click the icon for the title and you will see the same "Return borrowed item" option in the menu.

If you are using the OverDrive Media Console app for iOS/Android/Windows Mobile/Blackberry, when you go to delete a title from your bookshelf, a menu will pop up that includes the option "Return & Delete" allowing you to return items early.  Click here for further instruction. 

 

Returning eAudiobooks

Due to publisher licensing agreements OverDrive eAudiobooks such as WMA or MP3 files cannot be returned early. They will be automatically returned to the library at the end of the lending period. 


A note on lending periods

The lending period for eBooks is usually 21 days, but you can adjust this to 7 or 14 day periods when checking out materials in Overdrive.  Additionally, you can set personalized default lending period(s) on a format-by-format basis at the 'Lending Periods' page in your Overdrive Account. The mobile version of this site uses the default lending period you specify at the 'Lending Periods' page.

 

Problem with OverDrive audiobooks for iPhone/iPod/iPad users

October 17, 2011 | Dara Renton | Comments (8)

What's the problem?

eAudiobooks in .wma format downloaded from our OverDrive service cannot be successfully transferred to Apple devices. The file names show up as numeric strings, and iTunes returns a message saying that the files cannot be synced.

 

What devices are affected?

  • iPod Touch
  • iPhone
  • iPad

 

What is causing the problem?

The problem appears to be related to an incompatibility between OverDrive Media Console and iOS 5 (the newest version of the operating system for Apple mobile devices, which was released on October 12)  and/or the latest version of iTunes (version 10.5, released on October 11).

 

When and how will this be fixed?

OverDrive has not provided an estimate of the time it will take to fix the problem. When they have a solution, they will release an update to the OverDrive Media Console. Watch for updates from the app store when you sync your device in iTunes.

 

What can I do in the meantime?

If you have a regular (non-Apple) MP3 player or a Blackberry, Windows, or Android device, you can listen to your eAudiobooks from OverDrive on that.

You can also try using MP3 audiobooks from OverDrive. (The problem only affects .wma audiobooks.)

We apologize for the inconvenience and hope this issue will be resolved very soon.

Library eBooks - not on Kindle in Canada yet

September 22, 2011 | Dara Renton | Comments (10)

Amazon Kindle Devices

You may have seen some of the news coverage and online buzz about libraries offering Kindle-compatible eBooks through the OverDrive service. Kindle-compatible eBooks for libraries are a new service that just launched yesterday (September 21) in the U.S. only.

Unfortunately, Kindle-compatible eBooks are not yet an option for Canadian libraries.

Toronto Public Library will continue to monitor developments in this area. In the meantime, the EPUB eBooks available through our OverDrive service are compatible with a range of eReaders, tablets, and smartphones, including:

  • Kobo
  • Sony Reader
  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Blackberry
  • Samsung Galaxy
  • Motorola Xoom

See the complete list of compatible devices on OverDrive’s site.

Changes to the NetLibrary eBook and eAudiobook service

July 21, 2011 | Dara Renton | Comments (2)

The NetLibrary eBook and eAudiobook service is ceasing operation this week. The content provided by NetLibrary will now be provided by two new services: OneClick Digital eAudiobooks and Ebsco eBooks.

eAudiobooks will be returning on Saturday, July 23rd as OneClick Digital. eBooks will be returning next week as Ebsco eBooks.

We apologize for any inconvenience during the temporary interruption in service.

We'll provide more information about the new services shortly.

Web Team breaks awkward silence, launches website improvements

June 21, 2011 | Dara Renton | Comments (5)

Patient readers, we know we've been out of touch for a long time - pretty much ever since we launched the new website last August. What's been keeping us too busy to blog? For one thing, we've been listening to your feedback about the new site - many thanks to everyone who has posted on this blog or shared your comments through other channels. We've also had our hands full helping some of the many people who have started using the library's eBook services. (Did you get a shiny new eReader/tablet/smartphone over the holidays last year? We can tell.)

EBooks-traffic-graph

If, like Janet Jackson circa 1986, you're asking "What have you done for me lately?", we have some good news. We've been working on a few improvements to the website that are now available.

  • Dates when new DVDs will be available for placing holds: You asked for it, and here it is: new feature DVDs become holdable six months after the library acquires them, and now the record for each DVD includes the date when it will be available for holds.

No hold dvd date

  • Mega-menus for faster, easier navigation: We've introduced mega-menus to help you go directly to the section of the site you want. The menus include links to many of the most popular pages on the site.

  Mega-menu

 

  • Share an item by email: Found something great on the library website? Email it to a friend (or to yourself). The email will contain all the relevant details about the item. Books, movies, music, library branches, library programs/events - all can be shared quickly and easily via email.

Email-page

Email-item

Other things we've been working on include a project to integrate digitized books and images from the library's Special Collections into the website and a major application server migration.

And we haven't forgotten about some of the other things you've been asking for:

  • A “wish list” feature
  • Enhancements to search, including type-ahead
  • A mobile version of the site
  • An online purchase request form
  • Online fine payment

A project to improve Your Account features and accessibility is just getting underway.

Please keep your feedback coming - input from you helps us prioritize upcoming improvements.