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Libby & OverDrive e-Books and Audiobooks: Getting Started

Access hundreds of academic ebooks and audiobooks courtesy of the University Libraries.

Introduction

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Welcome to OverDrive & Libby e-Books and Audiobooks 
(Courtesy of the USD University Libraries)

OverDrive platform and the Libby App allow current USD students, faculty and staff to check out and download academic e-books and audiobooks on their devices.  

There are multiple options for accessing ebooks and audiobooks:

  • Formats: Kindle and EPub formats for ebooks & MP3 format for audiobooks.
  • Read or listen online directly through your computer browser with OverDrive Read.
  • Install Libby app to download books to a computer, phone or other device.
  • Use your Amazon account and either a Kindle device or app to download Kindle formats.
  • Install Adobe Digital Edition if you plan on downloading the EPub format to your device

Connect to Libby Web

On your browser, click or go to https://libbyapp.com/library/usd, Libby should automatically recognize the USD University Libraries.

  • Click “Sign in With My Card"
  • Sign in/authenticate using your USD email account
  • Browse the digital collection and borrow a title.

Download Libby App (LibbyApp (By OverDrive) for iPhone, Android, Tablets and Kindle)

On your personal devices, you can also download the Libby the library app (Apple, Google Play, or Amazon Kindle) and access it with your library card (your USD email account).  Your library card will automatically sync your web version and any mobile versions of Libby.

  1. Install the Libby app from the app store on your Android or iOS device.
  2. In Libby, follow the prompts (:Yes, I have a Library Card") to find/add a library, enter University of South Dakota and select, and "Sign in With My Card" using your USD email account.
  3. Browse the digital collection and borrow a title.

If you are already a Libby user with another library:

  1. Open the app and click on the "menu" button that consists of three parallel horizontal lines (displayed as ≡) in the bottom menu
  2. Click Add Library to add University of South Dakota.

Getting Started

Getting started is easy! Just follow these simple instructions:

For your privacy, please use OverDrive and Libby on your personal devices (desktop and mobile)

What you'll need:

What do you need to enjoy free instant access to digital ebooks and audiobooks?

  • USD email account 
  • Internet Access
  • A smartphone, tablet, ereader (Kindle, Nook, etc) or desktop/laptop
  • The free Libby app, which can be downloaded for free from your device's app store (links below)
  • DUO installed since it may be required for off-network/off-campus users
  • Adobe Digital Edition if you plan on downloading the EPub format to your device

Borrowing Privileges and Restrictions:

  • Titles are automatically expired/returned at the end of the lending period. No late fees!
  • Check out up to 3 titles at a time.
  • Borrow titles for up to 7, 14 or 21 days.
  • You can place a hold on 3 titles at a time.
  • Time items stay in cart (before checkout): 60 minutes
  • You can return an item before the due date.
  • Most OverDrive ebooks are single-user titles like physical library items. If an ebook is checked out, you place a hold on it or wait until it is returned
  • Ebooks can be downloaded but individual pages or chapters cannot be printed.

OverDrive e-Books and Audiobooks in OneSearch

Search for titles in OneSearch

  • If you find an OverDrive e-book or audiobook in OneSearch, click on the OverDrive e-Book and Audiobooks link
  • Follow the instructions above to borrow

Quick Tips:

If a title is not available, you can place a hold.

  • After you place a hold, view your spot in line by going to your Shelf, tapping Holds, then tapping Wait List.

You can view your place in line for a hold.

  • After you place a hold, go to Shelf > Holds and tap the calendar icon. You'll see your approximate wait time, the number of copies in use, and the number of people waiting.

You can save time by saving your preferences.

  • Tap Preferences at the top of your library's home screen, or at the top of any list. Adjust your filters and default sorting option. Tap Apply Preferences.

You can explore more book recommendations.

  • Tap Explore at the top of your library's home screen to discover your next great read. Search by subject, popularity, what's available, and more.

You can add more than one library card.

  • Tap the Libby icon in the top right corner, then tap Add a Library. You can search by name or zip code.

Need Additional Help?

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