About Library2Go

What does the new Library2Go service provide?

Library2Go provides library patrons with direct access to downloadable audio books. The audio books provided through Library2Go can be downloaded using any properly equipped Windows PC belonging to a patron.

Library2Go is not available on the library’s public-use computers.

Once downloaded, the audio books can be played directly from the PC, or on a variety of mobile audio devices (often called MP3 players). Depending on content licensing, some titles may also be burned to CD.

Mac / iPod users: 

Library2Go audio book products DO NOT currently work on iPods or other Apple products.

Apple products do not support the .wma format and Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM), which Library2Go uses to ensure copyright compliance in lending library environments.

Unfortunately, no commercially available services currently exist that provide Apple-compatible downloadable audio books to lending libraries.

Other options for Apple product users:

While you can't use Library2Go with your Apple product, a number of other options exist that you might try:

• Audible.com (http://www.audible.com) - Sells Apple-compatible audio books for individual (but not lending) use.
• Apple iTunes Audio books (http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/audiobooks.html) - Sells audio books for individual (but not lending) use.
• Librivox (http://www.librivox.org/) - Provides restriction-free downloadable recordings of "public domain" books in a variety of formats.
• OpenCulture (http://www.oculture.com/2006/10/audio_book_podc.html) - Provides links to restriction-free downloadable recordings of "public domain" books in a variety of formats.

Software and Hardware

Can I use the service on public-use computers in my library?

No. The service is not available on public-use computers.

What software do I need to install?

1. Overdrive Media Console (available at http://www.overdrive.com/MediaConsole/download.asp)

2. Microsoft Windows Media Player 9 or later.

This software is probably already on your computer. But, if not, it is freely available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/)

3. And,  If you want to use your MP3 player, you may need its accompanying software as well.

What is the “Windows Media Player Security Upgrade”? How do I install it?

The Windows Media Security Upgrade is a Windows Media Player upgrade that must be installed before you can use Library2Go.

To install the upgrade, open Overdrive Media Console, select Tools, and then select Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.

What Hardware do I need?

You need a computer running any of:

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

You’ll also need a high-speed Internet connection.

In addition, if you want to listen to audio books on the move, you’ll need an MP3 player.

And, if you want to listen to downloaded audio books in your car or stereo, you’ll need a CD-ROM burner.

 Can I play downloadable audio books on my MP3 player?

Yes. Downloadable audio books can be played on a wide range of portable listening devices. For a current list of tested audio devices, or to test your device, visit: http://www.overdrive.com/deviceresourcecenter.

Can I burn a downloaded audio book to CD-ROM?

Some titles may be burned to CD-ROM, while burning to CD-ROM is prohibited for other titles.

Burn information for each title is clearly displayed in the Library2Go catalog under Digital Rights Information.

Can I download audio books through my library’s wireless service?

Yes, if your laptop has the necessary software listed above.

Accounts

Do I need a special account to download audio books?

No special account is required. Titles may be checked out and downloaded using your regular library card.

If your library account is blocked because of unpaid bills, you won’t be able to log in to Library2Go.

Where can I log in?

You can log in at http://www.beachbooks.org/library2go.

When I check out audio books, do they appear on my library account with the other items I have checked out?

No, you will need to log in to Library2Go to check on the status of your downloadable audio books.

How do I log off?

To log off, simply click Logout while on the Library2Go site.

If you need to log off completely so that a different family member can log in, simply close and re-open your browser.

Downloading

I logged into my Library2Go acount, but I cannot download a checked out title. A screen message next to the title says "This download has been disabled. Please contact support. What can I do?

The download link on the Library2Go "2Go Account" Web page will become disabled after you have clicked the link 3 or more times.

(You might click the button multiple times accidentally, or if you lose your Internet connection, for example.)

If this happens again, just go open the Overdrive Media Console (the program you downloaded and installed on your computer when you signed up for Library2Go), highlight the title in your list of titles, and click "Download Parts" in the toolbar.

From Overdrive Media Console, you can download a title, even if the download link within Library2Go has become disabled.

How long does it take to download a book?

Download times vary based on book length and connection speed. It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours to download a book.

Circulation

How many downloadable audio books may I check out at one time? How long is the checkout period?

You can check out up to 6 titles. This total does not count against your other library checkout limits. The checkout period is 10 days.

Can I place holds?

You can place holds on items that are currently in use. You need to provide a valid e-mail address when you place a hold, so that you can be notified when the item becomes available. After being notified about a hold, you must check out the item within 3 days, or lose your place in line.

Can I renew my items?

You cannot renew items, but you can check them out again if they are available when your checkout expires.

Once the lending period is over, what happens to the title I checked out?

Once the lending period is over, the title is automatically 'returned' to the library. Although the file(s) will remain on your computer or device, the file(s) will no longer be accessible. To delete an expired audio book file from your computer:

1. Open OverDrive Media Console.
2. Locate the audio book you wish to delete in the Media Library.
3. Single-click on the title to select it, then click the Delete button.

Troubleshooting

When I try to play a title I downloaded, I receive an error stating "unable to acquire license to play, unable to create CAPICOM object to generate host string (invalid class string). What should I do.

If you receive an error related to CAPICOM, please uninstall and reinstall the Overdrive Media Console.

I receive a  "Parameter is Incorrect" error. What should I do?

This message means there is a problem with the DRM (Digital Rights Management) component of Windows Media Player. Usually, resetting the DRM will resolve this problem.

** Please make sure you take the time to follow each step carefully.

1. Find the DRM folder on your computer.
   
   Depending on your Operation System, it can be found in different locations.
   
   For Windows 2000 and Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\DRM
   For Windows 98: C:Windows\All Users\DRM
   For Windows Millennium Edition: C:\Windows\DRM
   
   If you cannot find the file, this may be because it is a hidden, system file. Please use the following steps to view the DRM folder.
   
   In Windows Explorer, go to Tools, then Folder Options, then View. Under Hidden Files and Folders, make the following changes:
   
   A. Select Show Hidden Files and Folders
   B. Uncheck Hide Protected Operating System Files
   Please note: step ‘B’ will give you a warning message. Please make sure you click “Yes.”
   C. Click the Apply to All Folders button.
2. Rename the DRM folder to DRM.old
3. Re-run the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade from the OverDrive Media Console under the Tools menu.
4. You should now be able to download and enjoy your audiobook.