How to Listen to Audio Books on Your iPod Using Overdrive
Step-by-Step Instructions
Many libraries around the globe use OverDrive digital media services to loan out digital content in the form of both eBooks and audiobooks. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining, downloading, and managing content from OverDrive.
Library
Check your local library web site to see if they offer OverDrive digital media. You will need a valid library card to check out materials.
Open iTunes
Open iTunes and plug in your iPod. Click on your iPod in the source list on the left and make sure “Manually manage music and videos” is checked.
Choose Your Content
Browse the offerings and choose the item you wish to borrow from the available titles in your library’s collection. If the title is unavailable at present, some libraries offer a wish list option which will inform you when the title is available for download.
Note that each version of the content indicates which devices can play the available format. Even though it indicates that WMA will play on an iPod, I have run into occasional compatibility issues.
Download mp3 format for iPods.
Download OverDrive
When you check out the audiobook, you will be given the option to download the OverDrive Digital Media Console. This download is necessary for obtaining the media. The Wizard makes setup easy. Follow the on-screen directions.
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Download Content
The Console will then ask what parts of the book you wish to download. The default setting checks all parts. Click OK
Once downloaded, you can play the audiobook right from your computer via the Overdrive console. Simply select the book and click Play.
Moving Content to Your iPod
On the OverDrive Media Console, click Transfer. A Transfer Wizard will open. Make sure that the correct book is selected and that your iPod is connected. Click Next.
The wizard will then ask what parts you wish to transfer. This is useful if you don’t have a lot of space on your iPod. Default settings select all parts.
By clicking next, your transfer will begin.
Managing in iTunes
You will need to manage the downloaded content in iTunes so that it acts like an audiobook, in other words, your place will be bookmarked as you read. Because the file is an mp3, it will automatically be placed in your device’s music folder. Click on the music tab under your device in the source list.
Locate the audiobook in the list of music. You may use the search box on the top right to help you
Highlight all parts of the book by clicking on part 1, holding the shift key, and clicking on the last part. Then right click the grouping. From the menu that appears, select Get Info. A small popup will ask if you want to edit the information for multiple items. Click yes.
From the Multiple Item Information menu, choose the Options tab. Under Media Kind, click the pull down menu arrow and choose Audiobook. Click OK.
iTunes will then convert the chosen files to audiobook. You will be able to locate them in the audiobook section of your iPod.
From there, you may click to disconnect your iPod and take your library audiobook with you! Enjoy!
