Library to Go FAQ

Library to Go: eAudio FAQ l Library to Go: eBook FAQ

What are eBooks & Audiobooks?

eBooks and audiobook are electronic versions of printed books that can be read or listened to on a computer. The Vancouver Public Library has a number of collections of eBooks and eAudio for the use of VPL patrons. Any user with a VPL library card can read eBooks, and listen to audiobooks from these collections online, using any computer connected to the Internet. See the eBook collection here and the audiobook collection here

How do you search for eBooks and Audiobooks?

Both Books24x7 and netLibrary books are listed in the Vancouver Public Library's catalogue. Search eBooks via our web-based library catalogue. Search by Format Word for EBOOK, or limit your search results to eBooks. From the title record page, click on the URL that appears under the Subject Headings for that title. You can also search the catalogue for specific eBook or audiobook titles. Use Title Browse or Keywords in Title searches.

Note that there are known technical difficulties accessing these services. Please see our Help section for more information.

Library to Go: eAudio FAQ

About l Borrowing l Library Cards l Technical Requirements l Help

About Library To Go

How do I connect to Library To Go?

Connect via our Newspapers, Articles, Encyclopedias & More page, or via this direct link.

What is Library To Go?

Library To Go is a collection of downloadable audiobooks. and eBooks. Audiobooks can be downloaded on to a computer, transferred to a portable device, or burned onto a CD.

What is a digital audiobook?

A digital audiobook is similar to a CD or book on tape, available for downloading.

What types of books are available?

A variety of fiction and non-fiction books are available, including popular genres of fiction, language study, self-improvement books and more.

Where can Library To Go be used?

You may search for and check out titles inside or outside the library, but titles must be downloaded outside the library.

Borrowing Titles from Library To Go

How do I check titles out?

After finding a desired title Click ‘Add to Cart’

Choose ‘Proceed to checkout’ (or ‘continue browsing’, and then follow these steps when ready to check out)
Choose your library from the drop-down box and enter your full library card number.
Click ‘Download’ to download title

A maximum of 5 titles may be in ‘My Cart’ at once. Titles will remain in ‘My Cart’ for up to 30 minutes (like a temporary hold) before returning to the collection of available material if it is not checked out.

How many titles may be checked out at once?

You may have a maximum of 5 titles checked out from the Library To Go.

How do I return titles?

Downloaded audiobooks are checked out for 14 days and are automatically returned to the library. There are no overdue fines on audiobooks.

Can titles be requested? How long are requests held for?

Yes, titles that are checked out by another user may be requested. Library To Go will send an email notification when the title becomes available. Requests are held for 3 days.

How many titles can be requested at once?

You may request a maximum of 5 titles at once.

Library Cards

I'm a new VPL cardholder. When will I be able to use Library to Go?

Once you have registered in-person at any VPL branch for your library card, you will be able to access Library to Go within two business days.

For visitors who login to the wireless network, access to Library to Go is not permitted outside the library.

I registered online for a VPL card. Will I be able to use Library to Go?

Visit any VPL branch to register in-person for your permanent card. Once you receive your permanent card, you will be able to access Library to Go within two business days.

Why can't I use my VPL card to login to Library to Go? My card is valid.

VPL cardholders who have a Vancouver address will be able to use Library to Go. Borrowers are required to access Library to Go via their home library in the city in which they live.

Can I use Library to Go with my BC OneCard?

No. Not all libraries in BC are participating in Library to Go.

Can I use Library to Go with my InterLINK OneCard?

Possibly. InterLINK OneCard borrowers are given access based on the participation of their home library in Library to Go. All InterLINK libraries except Pemberton are participating. Be sure to select your home library when logging in to Library to Go, rather than another InterLINK library at which you are registered.

Technical Requirements

PC

What software is required to play Library To Go audiobooks?

Library To Go audiobooks require the free, downloadable OverDrive Media Console. Download link and instructions available here:Audiobooks

Home > Software Downloads: Audio Books.

You will also need Windows Media Player (9 series, or newer), included on most PCs, or available to download here:

Microsoft.com > Downloads & trials > Windows Media Downloads.

What operating systems are compatible with Library To Go audiobooks?

Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)
Windows 2000 (Professional or Server)
Windows Millennium Edition (ME)
Microsoft Windows XP (Home, Professional, Tablet PC, or Media Center Edition)
Windows Vista (Home, Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate Edition)

What other technical requirements are needed to use Library To Go audiobooks?

233 megahertz (MHz) processor
64 MB RAM
100 MB free hard disk space
16-bit sound card
Video adapter and monitor: Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution
Internet access
Browsers: Internet Explorer 5.01 (or newer) OR Mozilla Firefox 1.0 (or newer)

What about the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade?

This free upgrade allows Digital Rights Management (copyright)- protected files to be played. It is required to use Library To Go. The first time you open the OverDrive Media Console, it will provide instructions on installing this upgrade if you do not already have it.

For more information on this topic, see this guide:

Audio Book Help Basics

Home > Help > OverDrive Audio Book: The Basics (question 12).

Portable Audio Devices (MP3 players, etc.)

Which portable audio devices are compatible with Library To Go audiobooks?

For a list of compatible devices, as well as instructions on testing a portable audio device, go here:
Home > Help > OverDrive Audio Books: The basics >To which devices can I transfer OverDrive Audio Book titles? > To review a suggested list of portable devices, click here.

Are iPods compatible with Library To Go?

Yes, Overdrive MP3 audiobooks are compatible with iPods.

What software is required to view Adobe eBooks?

Adobe eBooks require the free, downloadable Adobe Reader . Version 6.01 or higher is required. Download link and instructions are available here.

Home > Software Downloads: Adobe eBooks

Library To Go recommends Adobe Digital Editions, a flash-based reader with support for bookmarks, highlights, and text notes. With Adobe Digital Editions, you can view multiple bookshelves in "Library View". Download link and instructions are available here.

Home > Software Downloads: Adobe eBooks

What operating systems are compatible with Adobe eBooks?

If you use Adobe Reader 6, these systems are compatible:

Windows 98 SE
Windows ME,
Windows NT 4.0
Windows 2000

If you use Adobe Reader 7, these systems are compatible:

Windows 98 SE
Windows ME
Windows NT 4.0
Windows XP (Home, Professional, Tablet PC, or Media Center Edition)
Windows Vista (Home, Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate Edition)

If you use Adobe Reader 8/Adobe Digital Editions, these systems are compatible:

Windows XP (Home, Professional, Tablet PC, or Media Center Edition)
Windows Vista (Home, Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate Edition)

What other technical requirements are needed to use Library to Go eBooks?

Adobe Reader 6

32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended)
Intel Pentium-class processor
60 MB available hard disk space
Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, 6.0 or 6.1
Adobe Flash Player 8 (or later)

Adobe Reader 7

128 MB RAM (256 recommended)
Intel Pentium-class processor
90 MB available hard disk space
Internet Explorer 5.5 (or later), Netscape 7.1 or 8.0, Firefox 1.0 (or later), Mozilla 1.7 (or later)
Adobe Flash Player 8 (or later)

Adobe Reader 8/Adobe Digital Editions

128 MB RAM
500 Mhz or faster Intel Pentium III processor
90 MB available hard disk space
Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0, Firefox 1.5 or 2.0, Mozilla 1.7, or AOL 9
Adobe Flash Player 8 (or later)

Help

Where can I go for further help?

Library To Go provides extensive ‘help’ features, available from the link in the top right corner.

About Library To Go

How do I connect to Library To Go?

Connect via our Newspapers, Articles, Encyclopedias & More page, or via this direct link.

What is Library To Go?

Library To Go is a collection of downloadable audiobooks. and eBooks. Audiobooks can be downloaded on to a computer, transferred to a portable device, or burned onto a CD. eBooks can be downloaded onto a computer, or transferred to a portable device.

What is an eBook?

An eBook is an electronic copy of a book that can be read on a computer or portable device. There are two formats available: Adobe eBooks and Mobipocket eBooks.

What is an Adobe eBook?

Adobe eBooks are text-based titles in .PDF format.

What is a Mobipocket eBook?

Mobipocket eBooks are small text-based files in a special format that can be viewed on a computer or hand-held device.

What types of books are available?

A variety of fiction and non-fiction books are available, including popular genres of fiction, language study, self-improvement books and more.

Where can Library To Go be used?

You may search for and check out titles inside or outside the library, but titles must be downloaded outside the library.

Borrowing Titles from Library To Go

How do I check titles out?

After finding a desired title Click ‘Add to Cart’

Choose ‘Proceed to checkout’ (or ‘continue browsing’, and then follow these steps when ready to check out)
Choose your library from the drop-down box and enter your full library card number.
Click ‘Download’ to download title

How many titles may be checked out at once?

You may have a maximum of 5 titles checked out from the Library To Go.

How do I return titles?

Downloaded eBooks are checked out for 21 days and are automatically returned to the library. There are no overdue fines on eBooks.

Can titles be requested? How long are requests held for?

Yes, titles that are checked out by another user may be requested. Library To Go will send an email notification when the title becomes available. Requests are held for 3 days.

How many titles can be requested at once?

You may request a maximum of 5 titles at once.

Library Cards

I'm a new VPL cardholder. When will I be able to use Library to Go?

Once you have registered in-person at any VPL branch for your library card, you will be able to access Library to Go within two business days.

For visitors who login to the wireless network, access to Library to Go is not permitted outside the library.

I registered online for a VPL card. Will I be able to use Library to Go?

Visit any VPL branch to register in-person for your permanent card. Once you receive your permanent card, you will be able to access Library to Go within two business days.

Why can't I use my VPL card to login to Library to Go? My card is valid.

VPL cardholders who have a Vancouver address will be able to use Library to Go. Borrowers are required to access Library to Go via their home library in the city in which they live.

Can I use Library to Go with my BC OneCard?

No. Not all libraries in BC are participating in Library to Go.

Can I use Library to Go with my InterLINK OneCard?

Technical Requirements

PC | Macintosh

PC

eBooks | Mobipocket eBooks

What software is required to view Adobe eBooks?

Adobe eBooks require the free, downloadable Adobe Reader . Version 6.01 or higher is required. Download link and instructions are available here.

Home > Software Downloads: Adobe eBooks

What operating systems are compatible with Adobe eBooks?

If you use Adobe Reader 6, these systems are compatible:

Windows 98 SE
Windows ME,
Windows NT 4.0
Windows 2000

If you use Adobe Reader 7, these systems are compatible:

Windows 98 SE
Windows ME
Windows NT 4.0
Windows XP (Home, Professional, Tablet PC, or Media Center Edition)
Windows Vista (Home, Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate Edition)

If you use Adobe Reader 8/Adobe Digital Editions, these systems are compatible:

Windows XP (Home, Professional, Tablet PC, or Media Center Edition)
Windows Vista (Home, Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate Edition)

What other technical requirements are needed to use Library to Go eBooks?

Adobe Reader 6

32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended)
Intel Pentium-class processor
60 MB available hard disk space
Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, 6.0 or 6.1
Adobe Flash Player 8 (or later)

Adobe Reader 7

128 MB RAM (256 recommended)
Intel Pentium-class processor
90 MB available hard disk space
Internet Explorer 5.5 (or later), Netscape 7.1 or 8.0, Firefox 1.0 (or later), Mozilla 1.7 (or later)
Adobe Flash Player 8 (or later)

Adobe Reader 8/Adobe Digital Editions

128 MB RAM
500 Mhz or faster Intel Pentium III processor
90 MB available hard disk space
Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0, Firefox 1.5 or 2.0, Mozilla 1.7, or AOL 9
Adobe Flash Player 8 (or later)

What software is required to view Mobipocket eBooks?

Mobipocket eBooks require Mobipocket Reader, version 4.0 or greater. Download link and instructions are available here.

Home > Software Downloads: Mobipocket Reader

You will also need desktop to PDA synchronization software to transfer eBooks from your computer to your PDA..

What operating systems are compatible with Mobipocket Reader?

Windows 2000
Windows XP (Home, Professional, or Media Center Edition)
Windows Vista (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate Edition)

Macintosh

eBooks | Mobipocket eBooks

What software is required to view Adobe eBooks?

Adobe eBooks require the free, downloadable Adobe Reader . Version 6.01 or higher is required. Download link and instructions are available here.

Home > Software Downloads: Adobe eBooks

What operating systems are compatible with Adobe eBooks?

If you use Adobe Reader 6, these operating systems are compatible

Mac OS X version 10.2-10.3

If you use Adobe Reader 7, these operating systems are compatible:

Mac OS X version 10.4.3 - 10.4.9

If you use Adobe Reader 8/Adobe Digital Editions, these operating systems are compatible:

Mac OS X version 10.4.3 for PowerPC
Mac OS X version 10.4.8 or better for Intel-based Macintosh computers

What other technical requirements are needed to use Library to Go eBooks?

Adobe Reader 6

Power PC, G3, G4, or G5 processor
32 MB of RAM with virtual memory on (64 MB recommended)
70 MB of available hard disk space on an HFS formatted disk (an additional 60 MB is needed during installation)
Safari 1.2.2 supported for Mac OS X 10.2 or later, Internet Explorer 5.0
Adobe Flash Player 8 (or later)

Adobe Reader 7