patron services

pages/posts related to patron service; opac, comcat, overdrive

Overdrive & Libby

Libby can be downloaded on most any device from the device’s app store.  Additionally, you can access Libby from your web browser by visiting this site: https://libbyapp.com/library/sails.

Overdrive is the older version of this software.  Overdrive gives you access to the same titles you would find in Libby; however, it is no longer available as an app.  You can access Overdrive from your web browser by visiting this site:  https://sails.overdrive.com/.

On This Page

Partner Libraries

What is a Partner Library?
Partner Libraries are Massachusetts library networks that have agreed to share access to their digital collections with each other. This means you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks from any Partner Library with your SAILS library card.

How do I set up Partner Libraries?
Setting up a Partner Library is easy.  The process is different depending on whether you are using Libby or Overdrive.

What Partner Libraries are available in Massachusetts?
Boston Public Library
CLAMS Library Network
CW MARS
Merrimack Valley Library Consortium
Minuteman Library Network
NOBLE: North of Boston Library Exchange
Old Colony Library Network (OCLN)

Adding Partner Libraries in Libby

Your SAILS Library Network card allows you to borrow from other libraries across the state with Libby’s “Partner Libraries” feature.  Click on the “Menu” icon to get started.

The navigation bar in the Libby app. From left to right - a magnifying glass with the label Search, a building with the label Library, three lines in a column with the label Menu, a stack of books with the label Shelf, and a tag with the label Tag.

Scroll down on the heading “Your Libraries” until you see the option to “Add Library.”  Click on that.

Libby will present you with a search box.  From here, use the list below to search for and add partner libraries.

PARTNER LIBRARIES IN MASSACHUSETTS
Boston Public Library
CLAMS Library Network
CW MARS
Merrimack Valley Library Consortium
Minuteman Library Network
NOBLE: North of Boston Library Exchange
Old Colony Library Network (OCLN)

You can see in this screenshot that we typed in CW, and Libby pulled up the CW Mars Consortium.  We’ll go ahead and select this by clicking on it.

Libby will give us two additional options:  “Sign In With My Card” and “I Would Like A Card.”   Select “Sign In With My Card.”

Libby will then ask us where we typically use our library card (i.e. our home library).  Scroll down under “Partner Libraries” and select SAILS Library Network.

Put in your library card number and click on “Next.”  Libby will ask you for your PIN in order to verify your account.

Once you’ve done that, Libby will make you a special library card with your SAILS Library Network barcode that you can use at your newly added partner library.  Clicking on the three dots will allow you to rename or remove your card.

To get back to the SAILS Library Network catalog (or to select a different partner library catalog), you’ll need to click on the “Menu” to go back to your account screen.

Libby places a star next to the card that’s currently active, meaning that this is the library catalog you’re currently browsing.  Any searches you do will default to this library.  

If you want to manage your card at a partner library in any way, you’ll need to make sure the partner library is selected as active (i.e. has a star next to it) and then click on “Manage Cards.” 

Partner Libraries on Overdrive

Overdrive users do not have to add partner libraries to their account.  Instead, you can simply select a partner library from the drop down at the top of the screen.

Selecting a partner library will take you to that library’s Overdrive page, where you will be prompted to sign in with your library card.  Choose SAILS Library Network from the drop down.

Searching & Placing Holds at Partner Libraries

You can place holds on a partner library’s items with your SAILS card.  How to do this depends on whether you are in Libby or Overdrive.

In Libby

By default, Libby only allows you to search one library’s catalog at a time.  If you want to search ALL catalogs that you have access to, you’ll have to conduct what’s called a deep search.  

Click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen to search.

Since Libby didn’t pull up the exact title searched for, it does not exist in this particular library’s catalog.  You can do a deep search to search ALL partner library catalogs (as long as you’ve added them in Libby).

You can do a deep search in one of two ways.  The first is to scroll down to the bottom of your results list and select the icon that says “deep search.”

You can also get to deep searching by selecting the icon at the top of the results screen, which allows you to set filters and select deep searching.

Choose your filters to narrow down your list.  When you’re done select the button at the top to show all available titles.

Once you’ve located the item, you can place a hold or view the wait times at all libraries that own this item.  To do this, click on the little library card icon to the right. 

In Overdrive

Overdrive does not allow you to perform a “deep search” (searching all partner libraries catalogs at one time) like you can do in Libby.  So, you will need to search each library’s catalog one at a time to view title availability.

Select the Partner Library you wish to search from the drop down at the top.  If you check out materials or place holds at a partner library in Overdrive, you will not be able to see those items under your account in SAILS. 

Instead, you will need to select the partner library where you have the item checked out or placed the hold, sign in with your SAILS card, and then visit your account to see the item(s).

Getting Started with Overdrive / Libby

Overdrive can only be accessed through your web browser:  https://sails.overdrive.com/  Navigate to the website, sign in with your library card, and browse hundreds of titles.  

Libby can be accessed from any mobile device and through your web browser.  Download Libby in your mobile device’s app store or navigate here:  https://libbyapp.com/library/sails

Managing Your Library Card

OVERDRIVE
Overdrive provides you with a range of options under “My Account.”

Loans and Holds will allow you to see anything you have checked out or on hold from SAILS Library Network. 

Wish List allows you to build a list of content you’d eventually like to checkout.

Rated Titles gives you the option to review items you’ve read.

History will only feature your charge history if you check the box under Settings → General.

Settings allows you to set up default loan periods and change content and display preferences.

LIBBY
You can navigate in Libby using the Navigation Bar.

The Menu is where you can manipulate your Libby settings.  This is also where you can add Partner Libraries and manage your library card (see above).

Clicking on “Manage Cards” will take you to a screen where you can manipulate your library card.

Clicking on Library will allow you to browse a particular library’s catalog.  Search will give you the option to search catalogs and filter.  Shelf and Tags are discussed more below.

Setting Up Your Ebook Preference

You can read ebooks through Libby/Overdrive or through Kindle.  (View our Kindle Privacy Statement here.)

IN OVERDRIVE

You can choose reading in your browser or reading on Kindle based on your preference.  If you choose to read on your Kindle, you will not be able to return the book through Overdrive.  Your Kindle will automatically return the book for you when your lending period is over, or you can login to your Kindle account and return your book manually.

Additionally, you can set Overdrive to only show ebooks that are able to be read on Kindle.  Navigate to My Account → Settings.  Under “Content Preferences,” click the box next to Kindle Preference.

IN LIBBY
Under “Menu” scroll down and select “Read Books With…”

Libby will prompt you with the option to switch between reading on Kindle or reading in the Libby app.  You can also select “I Have No Preference” if you’d rather switch between both.

Loan Checkout Periods

SAILS Library Network offers 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day loan periods for ebooks and audiobooks.  You can set your default preferred lending period in settings.  (NOTE:  Default lending period only applies to SAILS Library Network content.  If you borrow from a partner library - see above- you may be restricted to different loan periods.)

While these are default settings, some material in the SAILS catalog may have set lending periods that cannot be changed.

IN OVERDRIVE

In Overdrive, navigate to My Account → Settings.  Under “General,” select your preferred lending period for each type of content.

IN LIBBY
You have the ability to select your loan period when you borrow an item.

Click on the time period next to “Borrowing for…” to be presented with more loan period options.  Libby will default to this setting the next time you checkout this particular item type at the library you’re borrowing from.

Understanding Your Shelf and Tags (Libby Only)

Libby combines your loans, holds, and notices from all libraries under the heading Shelf.

You can also see your borrowing history under Timeline.

The “Actions” button in the upper right corner will display different options depending on whether you are on Loans, Holds, Timeline, etc.  For example, if you are under “Timeline,” clicking on the “Actions” button will give you the option to remove all of your history, export your history, disable Libby from recording your history, etc.

Tags can be used to set up wish lists, notification lists, and more.  Use the “Actions” button at the top to create a new tag or learn more about this feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

I lost my card and got a new library card number. How do I change it in Overdrive / Libby?

Overdrive:  Your new library card will automatically work when you login to Overdrive.

Libby:  While your new library card will work just fine in Libby, the app will display your old library card number when you click on Manage Card under Settings.  You can manually change it by clicking on the three dots and selecting Rename Card.

I forgot my password / PIN. How can I get it reset?

You can reset your PIN at this link.  You can also visit this page to see a list of options available to you:  https://sailsinc.org/my-account/ 

If you require additional assistance, fill out our Overdrive Help Form and someone will get back to you.

Why do I have to wait so long for eBooks and eAudiobooks?

Visit our FAQ on hold / lending wait times for e-content.

Do my checkout settings (loan period, etc.) apply to all loans across Libby and Overdrive?

Different libraries have different default loan settings, so you will need to set your preferences for each partner library network. Visit “Loan Checkout Period” (above) for more information.

I'm using Overdrive, but I want to switch to Libby. Will my information sync over?

Your loans, holds, and wish lists will transfer over to Libby once you sign in with your library card, but there is currently no option to export your reading history.  If you are concerned about losing your reading history, please visit Overdrive Reading History and decide which option best suits your needs.

I used to have the Overdrive app but can no longer find it. What happened?

Overdrive discontinued support for its app in early 2023.  Since then, users can only access Overdrive through their Internet browser.

I have more questions!

Visit Overdrive Help or Libby Help for more assistance.

If you are in Overdrive--

Select the “Help” icon at the top right of the screen.

If you are in Libby–

Scroll down on the “Menu” tab until you see the “How can we help?” button.

New Bedford – Computing for Adult Beginners

Born and raised in New Bedford, Amy Ferguson, MLIS, is the Reference Librarian at the New Bedford Free Public Library - Downtown Branch. Amy has been at the Downtown Library for 2 years and has a combined 11 years of academic, corporate, and public library experience. Amy brings with her a passion for libraries that fellow bibliophiles will understand. Not only interested in books, Amy’s favorite things to do are: create educational programs and help people with resumes! Amy says, “There is nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up when they see their resume transform from ‘meh’ to FANTASTIC!” Amy teaches the computer classes available at the Downtown library on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is always available for resume and technology assistance.

Mansfield – Teen Space

Amy Rosa is the Head of Reference at the Mansfield Public Library and has been there for 2 and a half years. She is a Taunton native who currently resides in North Providence with her husband and two daughters. She has been a librarian for the past 20 years beginning at her hometown library, the Taunton Public Library. She went on to receive her MLS at Indiana University and made her way back to the area to continue her career. She enjoys reading science fiction and young adult novels, yoga, rock climbing, and attending story times with her daughters.

Norfolk Public Library – Giant Candy Land!

Sarah Ward is the Children's Librarian at the Norfolk Public Library, but she actually began as a volunteer assistant and library page in high school. Currently, she is also enrolled in the MLIS program at Simmons.

Pembroke Public Library – Read & Bead

View the Read & Bead Bookmarks

Melissa McCleary is currently the Youth Services Librarian at Pembroke Public Library, serving all ages from 0 to 18 and their families. She has published works on children's literature in "Pennsylvania Libraries: Research and Practice" in 2014 and "Library Trends" in 2016. She has also presented today's topic, Read & Bead, as a webinar and at two Massachusetts conferences with even more to share now from continued experience.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library – 3D Printing

 

Elizabeth Sherry has been the Adult Services and Reference Librarian at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library for almost 9 years, but like most people in a small library she does a little bit of everything, including: Young Adult Services and programming, tech services, and makerspace services, which is how she ended up becoming the resident 3D printing operator overseeing the development of her library's 3D printing services.

West Bridgewater Public Library – Take Apart Table & Podcasting

View the tip sheet for running these two programs.

Ellen Snoeyenbos is a 2001 graduate if the Simmons GSLIS program, Ellen is the Library Director in West Bridgewater and has been for 2 years. Before that time, she was the Young Adult/Reference Librarian in Duxbury for 17 years. She has been interested in alternative programming in libraries for some time and enjoys bringing unusual and interactive experiences into the library setting. She has found her current staff very open to new ideas and willing to try new things.

Ashley Warren is a graduate of Syracuse University and is currently the Children's Program Assistant and Cataloger at the WBPL.
She has two elementary age children who are readers and enjoy trying new things at the library with their mom! Ashley is an enthusiast for new modes of content, new programs, and reaching out to new demographics in town.

Boyden Library – Canva

Christina began her library career at Springfield City Library and worked there for a total of three years. She spent two and half years working for Business Betties, a boutique branding and design firm, where she learned the importance of smart design, branding, blogging, and great photography. Now at the Boyden Library for the past year, her goal is to bring her experience and knowledge to promote Boyden Library and the SAILS network and all it has to offer. For more info, resources, or questions please contact Christina at CMetcalf@Sailsinc.org.

View the helpful handout on using Canva