Digital Files Beginner's Guide
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Where to Begin


  1. Pick a file format

    1. Adobe Reader eBook

      • Adobe Reader is the free reader used to read copyright-protected PDF files. Replacing both Adobe Acrobat Reader 5 and the Adobe eBook Reader, Adobe Reader combines a vivid reading experience with an intuitive interface, enabling you to read high-fidelity eBooks on your desktop, laptop, or tablet computer as well as many supported PDAs.
      • My Bookshelf (Adobe 6.0) / My Digital Editions (Adobe 7.0) : Access and organize your eBooks through the 'My Bookshelf'/'My Digital Editions' feature, which displays all of the eBooks you have downloaded.
      • With publisher permission, Adobe Reader uses text-to-speech facilities to read eBooks aloud.
        • To read aloud: View > Read Out Loud
      • With publisher permission, Adobe Reader supports some screen reader applications for visually impaired users.
      • Adobe Reader plays video and audio content embedded in eBooks.
      • An Adobe eBook is a PDF file that is copyright-protected using Adobe DRM (Digital Rights Management). DRM allows publishers to protect eBooks from unlawful distribution and to set certain restrictions on content, such as limits on copying and printing.
      • Runs on: Windows, Mac OS X, Palm OS, Pocket PC—check the Adobe web site for full system requirements

    2. Mobipocket Reader

      • The Mobipocket Reader is a universal eBook Reader for Windows computers (desktop/laptop/tablet) as well as SmartPhones and most PDAs (Palm/Pocket PC/etc.). Featuring bookmarking to facilitate quick returns to noteworthy sections, full text searching, and adjustable font size and color, the Mobipocket Reader offers an enriched reading experience.
      • Library function allows you to create your own categories to organize your favorite eBooks.
      • Many display options: Supports altering font size, font type, font color, and background color, offers full-screen mode for a clearer viewing option, supports horizontal and vertical scrolling, zooming (Pocket PC only), and enhancement of embedded images, SubPixel font technology allows smooth display for clear text reading, and supports international languages including UTF-8 encoding (for non-Western European languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Russian, etc.) (For the complete list of features, see the RCLS Help page)
      • Runs on: Windows (desktop/laptop/tablet), SmartPhones, and most PDAs.

    3. OverDrive Media Console

      • A free, fully-integrated, and easy-to-use application, the OverDrive Media Console allows you to download and listen to OverDrive Audio Book titles in high-quality Windows Media Audio format on any Windows computer. OverDrive Media Console also permits you to create and burn CDs of your audio books (when allowed by the publisher) for use in your car, home stereo, or portable CD player. OverDrive Media Console grants you the added functionality to transfer your audio books to supported portable devices. OverDrive Media Console offers a flexible and intuitive user interface, allowing audio book users to easily navigate, play, and enjoy popular audio materials.
        • An OverDrive Audio Book title is a digitally-protected audio book that has been optimized for download. OverDrive Audio Book titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media Audio format, which greatly enhances the sound quality for desktop listening, play of CD copies (when allowed by the publisher), and portable device use.
        • An OverDrive eMusic title is a digitally-protected music file available for download. OverDrive eMusic titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media Audio format.
      • Features include: multi-part download, audio book library management, navigating the audio file with MediaMarkers, copy to CD or device. Suggested list of devices
      • To use OverDrive Audio Book titles on a device, the device must either support the bit rate of 32kbps or be able to transcode 32kbps files to a supported bit rate.
      • Runs on: Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Pro/Server, Windows XP Home/Pro/Tablet
      • To use OverDrive Media Console, you will need to have Windows Media Player (9 Series or newer). OverDrive Media Console takes advantage of Windows Media Player support for burning audio books to CD (when allowed by the publisher) and transferring files to supported portable devices.

  2. Activate

    1. Adobe Reader

      • Activation is a process that registers your copy of Adobe Reader to your machine, enabling your device to open and use eBooks that have been copyright-protected using Adobe DRM (Digital Rights Management). This process is necessary because many publishers require strong copy protection to prevent unlawful redistribution of their eBooks. Once a device is activated, you can download and enjoy the many premium eBooks that have been secured for distribution in this format.
        • There are 2 types of activation:
          • “E-Z Activation” will automatically take place the first time you download and attempt to open a digitally protected PDF. Once E-Z Activation is complete, your browser displays the 'Adobe DRM Activator' screen, notifying you that activation was successful and prompting you to complete 'Named Activation', if desired. If you intend to use Adobe eBooks on multiple machines, follow the steps listed to complete the Named Activation process. Alternatively, you can complete Named Activation at a later time through the Adobe Reader interface with reference to the information below.
          • “Named Activation” is required if you want to use digitally protected PDFs on multiple machines. To complete Named Activation, you will be required to activate each machine on which you intend to use protected PDFs to the same Microsoft Passport account. The first time you download and attempt to open a digitally protected PDF, E-Z Activation will automatically take place and your browser will display the 'Adobe DRM Activator' screen. This screen notifies you that activation was successful, and also prompts you to complete Named Activation, if desired. To complete the Named Activation process, follow the steps listed on the 'Adobe DRM Activator' screen.
            • Note that you can complete Named Activation at a later time through the Adobe Reader interface as follows:
              • If you are using Adobe Reader 6...
                • While connected to the Internet, double-click the Adobe Reader icon to open Adobe Reader.
                • From the Adobe Reader menu bar, select Tools > eBook Web Services > Adobe DRM Activator. Your browser will open the 'Adobe DRM Activator Site' web site.
                • Follow the instructions at this site to activate your copy of Adobe Reader.
              • If you are using Adobe Reader 7...
                • While connected to the Internet, double-click the Adobe Reader icon to open Adobe Reader.
                • From the Adobe Reader menu bar, select File > Digital Editions > Authorize Devices. Your browser will open the 'Adobe DRM Activator Site' web site.
                • Follow the instructions at this site to activate your copy of Adobe Reader.
      • Currently, up to 6 computers (Windows, Macintosh, and/or PDAs) may be activated to the same Passport account.

    2. Mobipocket Reader

      • The PID: A PID (Personal IDentifier) is a unique identifier for your copy of Mobipocket Reader. Registration of your PID is required so that your copy of Mobipocket is registered to your device, enabling your device to open and use eBooks that have been copyright-protected using DRM (Digital Rights Management). This process is necessary because many publishers require strong copy protection to prevent unlawful redistribution of their eBooks. Once your PID is registered, you can download and enjoy the many premium eBooks that have been secured for distribution in this format.
        • Your PID is accessed in different ways depending on the version of Mobipocket you have installed.
          • If you are using Mobipocket Reader 4...
            • To view your PID, open Mobipocket Reader on your device and choose Help > About from the Mobipocket Reader menu.
            • Your PID is 10 characters in length and may include both and letters and numbers. Numbers will typically be displayed in a bold font.
          • If you are using Mobipocket Reader 5...
            • To view your PID, open Mobipocket Reader on your computer and select 'My Device List'.
            • Click the 'Edit Properties' button for the device you wish to register.
            • The PID is listed on the 'General Tab'.
      • To Register your PID visit your eAccount and select My Mobipocket PID’s:
        1. Type your PID in the 'Mobipocket PID' field at the site. Or, to copy and paste your PID, highlight your PID by pressing the left mouse button and dragging the cursor across the entire string of characters (note that your PID is 10 characters in length and may include both and letters and numbers). When you release the mouse button, a pop-up box is displayed, asking if you want to copy the PID. Select the copy option, and paste the PID into the field requesting it at this site. (To paste, place your cursor in the appropriate field, hold down the 'Ctrl' key and press 'V'.)
        2. As long as you have Mobipocket Reader 4.4 or higher you may register 3 PIDs to your account. In fact, if you like to read on more than 1 device (such as your PC and your PDA), it is recommended that you register multiple PIDs.
        3. When upgrading Mobipocket Reader, uninstalling the older version will remove your PID from some handheld devices. If you do not uninstall Mobipocket Reader before installing a newer version, you will most likely maintain your PID.
        4. You can register up to 3 PIDs with this site. If you need a PID deleted from your account in order to register a new one or to correct an error, please contact support. In your correspondence, please include your library card number and the PID which should be removed from your account.

    3. OverDrive Media Console

      • The Windows Media Player Security Update: The Windows Media Security Upgrade is a one-time process that must be performed before Microsoft Windows Media Player will allow any copyright-protected files to be played. A security measure, the security update identifies the copy of Windows Media Player with the computer on which the Player is being used. The first time that Windows Media Player attempts to open a protected file, it will alert the user that a Security Update must be performed before the file may be opened. The update takes just a few moments.
        1. While connected to the internet, open OverDrive Media Console
        2. Go to Tools-->Windows Media Player Security Upgrade
        3. Click OK in the “Security Upgrade required” dialog box
        4. After a few moments, the License Acquisition box will appear. At this point, click Play. This closes the box, indicating that the security update is complete

  3. Find Your Files

    1. Search the Catalog

      • To search for digital content, point your browser to efiles.rcls.org
      • You can browse all fiction, all non-fiction, collections, youth titles, or all eMusic, eAudio books, Adobe eBooks or Mobipocket eBooks—links can be found along the left edge of ever screen within the efiles site.
      • Once you’ve found a title you’re interested in, you can add it to your download list, or if the item is already out, place a request for it. Once you have an item in your list, you can keep browsing, or proceed to checkout.
      • To check out, you will need to log in if you have not already done so. Logging in here is the same as logging in on the regular on-line catalog. Once logged in, you will be reminded of the loan period, how many items you have out/can still borrow (you may borrow 5 digital titles at a time), and confirm your checkout.
      • You can download your item immediately, or you can download it later by going back to the site, into your eAccount, and into your eCheckouts.

    2. Downloading Your Files

      • In my experience, you have to choose “Run” or “Open” when downloading your digital files. If you choose “save as” and then try to open the file, the program will not recognize it.
      • Please note: Adobe files can only be downloaded once. If you download this file to a machine you can’t use it on or to a profile you don’t intend to use it on/transfer it from, you will have lost the use of it for the whole checkout period. Adobe files can be returned early, but you have to have access to the file to be able to return it, so please be careful.
      • Files should not be downloaded on the library machines. You may browse the catalog and checkout from the library, but do not download your files until you have returned home. If you download a digital file to the library machine, this will be viewed in terms of the Public Internet machine use policy, as attempting to install on the machine, and will be subject to the same penalties---ban from the computers for a set period of time.

  4. Transfer

    1. Adobe Reader

      • The method of transfer that you should use depends on the version of Adobe Reader that you have installed.
        • If you have Adobe Reader 6 . . .
          • Go to File > My Bookshelf.
          • Right-click the title to be transferred to your PDA and select 'Send to Mobile Device'.
          • Click 'Prepare' to begin converting the book for use on your PDA.
          • When prompted, perform a sync operation to transfer the book.
        • If you have Adobe Reader 7 . . .
          • Go to File > Digital Editions > My Digital Editions.
          • Right-click the title to be transferred to your PDA and select 'Send to Mobile Device'.
          • Click 'Prepare' to being converting the book for use on your PDA.
          • When prompted, perform a sync operation to transfer the book.

    2. Mobipocket Reader

      • The Mobipocket Reader for PC version 4 includes a 'Send to PDA' option that enables the smooth transfer of titles to any supported PDA.
      • In Mobipocket Reader version 5, this option is called 'Send to Handheld' and can be accessed from the 'eBooks' section of 'My Library'.

    3. OverDrive Media Console

      • There are two places you can check to see if a title may be burned to CD. You can check at this web site or, if you have already checked out the title, you can look in OverDrive Media Console.
        1. At this web site, check whether a title may be burned to CD as follows…
          • Search for the desired title, and click the title to bring up the page displaying details about the title.
          • At this page, look for the heading 'Digital Rights Information'. The information listed here will clearly indicate whether or not the publisher has enabled the burn to CD functionality.
        2. In OverDrive Media Console, check whether a title that you have already checked out may be burned to CD as follows…
          • In the OverDrive Media Console 'Media Library', click the desired title then click the 'Properties' button.
          • The 'Properties' dialog box is displayed.
          • Click the 'License' tab.
          • 'License details' for the title you selected are displayed. If the publisher permits the title to be burned to CD, the details will read 'This title can be burned until mm/dd/yyyy.'

    4. To transfer files using Windows Media Player 9--eMusic

      1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight a title and click the 'Transfer/burn' button. Windows Media Player opens.
      2. Turn off skin mode, if necessary, and click the 'Copy to CD or Device' button. The 'Copy to CD or Device' screen will appear.
      3. Select the part(s) you want to transfer to the portable device by checking the box(es) next to the part name(s).
      4. Connect your portable media device and ensure that it is selected in the right hand pane of Windows Media Player.
      5. Click the 'Copy' button in the upper right hand corner of Windows Media Player to copy the part(s) to the portable device. Windows Media Player will inspect and copy the file(s) to the device. This process should take less than a minute, depending on how many files you transfer. You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field in Windows Media Player.
      6. When the transfer is complete, the status field in Windows Media Player will indicate 'Complete'. You may now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your OverDrive eMusic.
        • Note: If you are using a Pocket PC, you need to have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed in order to transfer files from your PC to your PDA.

    5. To transfer files using Windows Media Player 9—eAudio book

      1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight a book and click the 'Transfer/burn' button. Windows Media Player opens.
      2. Turn off skin mode, if necessary, and click the 'Copy to CD or Device' button. The 'Copy to CD or Device' screen will appear.
      3. Select the part(s) you want to transfer to the portable device by checking the box(es) next to the part name(s).
      4. Connect your portable media device and ensure that it is selected in the right hand pane of Windows Media Player.
      5. Click the 'Copy' button in the upper right hand corner of Windows Media Player to copy the part(s) to the portable device. Windows Media Player will inspect and copy the file(s) to the device. This process should take less than a minute, depending on how many files you transfer. You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field in Windows Media Player.
      6. When the transfer is complete, the status field in Windows Media Player will indicate 'Complete'. You may now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your OverDrive Audio Book title.
        • Note: If you are using a Pocket PC, you need to have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed in order to transfer audio book files from your PC to your PDA.

    6. Burn a book to CD with Media Player 9

      1. If you have not already done so, verify that publisher permissions allow the title to be burned to CD as follows:
        • In the OverDrive Media Console 'Media Library', click the desired title then click the 'Properties' button. The 'Properties' dialog box is displayed.
        • Click the 'License' tab. 'License details' for the title you selected are displayed. If the publisher permits the title to be burned to CD, the details will read 'This title can be burned until mm/dd/yyyy.' (some publishers do not allow audio files to be burned to CD).
      2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title and click the 'Transfer/burn' button. Windows Media Player opens.
      3. Turn off skin mode if necessary, and click the 'Copy to CD or Device' button. The 'Copy to CD or Device' screen will appear.
      4. Select the part(s) to be burned to CD by checking the box next to the part name.
      5. Place a blank CDR in your CD-ROM drive and ensure that your CD drive is selected in the right hand pane of Windows Media Player.
      6. Click the 'Copy' button in the upper right hand corner of Windows Media Player to add the part(s) to the list of files to be burned to disc. Windows Media Player will inspect, convert, and temporarily copy the file in preparation for burning. This process may take a few minutes. You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field in Windows Media Player.
      7. When the burning process is complete, Windows Media Player will eject the disc and the status field will indicate 'Complete'. Please note that you will generally need to burn one CD for each part. You may now enjoy your OverDrive Audio Book title on your home stereo CD player, car stereo CD player, or on your portable CD player.

    7. Burn a CD with Media Player 9

      1. If you have not already done so, verify that publisher permissions allow the title to be burned to CD as follows:
        • In the OverDrive Media Console 'Media Library', click the desired title then click the 'Properties' button. The 'Properties' dialog box is displayed.
        • Click the 'License' tab. 'License details' for the title you selected are displayed. If the publisher permits the title to be burned to CD, the details will read 'This title can be burned until mm/dd/yyyy.' (some publishers do not allow audio files to be burned to CD).
      2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title and click the 'Transfer/burn' button. Windows Media Player opens.
      3. Turn off skin mode if necessary, and click the 'Copy to CD or Device' button. The 'Copy to CD or Device' screen will appear.
      4. Select the part(s) to be burned to CD by checking the box next to the part name.
      5. Place a blank CDR in your CD-ROM drive and ensure that your CD drive is selected in the right hand pane of Windows Media Player.
      6. Click the 'Copy' button in the upper right hand corner of Windows Media Player to add the part(s) to the list of files to be burned to disc. Windows Media Player will inspect, convert, and temporarily copy the file in preparation for burning. This process may take a few minutes. You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field in Windows Media Player.
      7. When the burning process is complete, Windows Media Player will eject the disc and the status field will indicate 'Complete'. You may now enjoy your eMusic title CD on your home stereo CD player, car stereo CD player, or on your portable CD player.

    8. To transfer files using Windows Media Player 10--eMusic

      1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight a title and click the 'Transfer/burn' button, or choose menu option File > Transfer/Burn. Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the title; you may stop playback at this point if you choose.
      2. Click the 'Library' tab. In addition to the 'Now Playing List', the Library is displayed.
      3. Depending on the number of parts you want to transfer to your portable device, do one of the following:
        • If you wish to transfer all parts, ensure that your portable device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button.
        • If you wish to transfer one or more specific part(s) to your device, you may remove parts from the Sync List. Simply click on each part you do not wish to transfer then press the 'Delete' key. Alternately, you may right-click an unwanted part and select 'Remove from List' from the menu. When the Sync List is ready, ensure that your device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button.
      4. Windows Media Player will transfer the file(s) to your device in the order that they appear in the 'Now Playing List'. You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field next to the part name in the Sync List. When the transfer is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'.
      5. You many now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your OverDrive eMusic.
        • Note: If you are using a Pocket PC, you need to have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed in order to transfer files from your PC to your PDA.

    9. To transfer files using Windows Media Player 10—eAudio Book

      1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight your book and click the 'Transfer/burn' button. Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the title.
      2. You may stop playback at this point if you choose.
      3. Click the 'Library' tab. The Media Library will now be displayed, but the Now Playing list should remain.
      4. If you wish to transfer all parts, ensure that your portable device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button. Windows Media Player will transfer the files to your device in the order that they appear in the 'Now Playing List'.
      5. If you wish to transfer a specific part(s) to your device, you may remove parts from the Sync List. Simply click on them and press the 'Delete' key. Alternately, you may right-click an unwanted part and select 'Remove from List' from the menu. When the Sync List is ready, ensure that your device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button. You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field next to the part name in the Sync List.
      6. When the transfer is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'. You many now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your OverDrive Audio Book title.
        • Note: If you are using a Pocket PC, you need to have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed in order to transfer audio book files from your PC to your PDA.

    10. Burn a Book to CD with Media Player 10

      1. If you have not already done so, verify that publisher permissions allow the title to be burned to CD as follows:
        • In the OverDrive Media Console 'Media Library', click the desired title then click the 'Properties' button. The 'Properties' dialog box is displayed.
        • Click the 'License' tab. 'License details' for the title you selected are displayed. If the publisher permits the title to be burned to CD, the details will read 'This title can be burned until mm/dd/yyyy.' (some publishers do not allow audio files to be burned to CD)
      2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight your book and click the 'Transfer/burn' button. Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the title.
      3. You may stop playback at this point if you choose. If you're running Windows Media Player in 'Skin Mode', be sure to switch to 'Full Mode' before proceeding.
      4. Click the 'Library' tab. The media library will be displayed but the 'Now Playing List' should remain.
      5. Depending on the number of parts you want to burn to CD, do one of the following:
        • If you wish to burn all parts to CD, insert a blank CDR in your CD-RW drive and click the 'Start Burn' button. Windows Media Player will burn the parts to CD in the order that they appear in the 'Now Playing List'. The Player will prompt you when it requires a new CD.
        • If you wish to burn only specific part(s) to CD, you may remove parts from the Burn List. Just click on them and press the 'Delete' key. Alternately, you may right-click an unwanted part and select 'Remove from List' from the menu. When the Burn List is ready, insert a blank CDR in your CD-RW drive and click the 'Start Burn' button.
      6. Windows Media Player will inspect, convert, and temporarily copy the part(s) in preparation for burning. This process may take a few minutes. You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field next to the part name in the Burn List.
      7. When the burning process is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'. Please note that you will generally need to burn one CD for each part. You may now eject the disc and play your OverDrive Audio Book title on your home stereo CD player, your car stereo CD player, or on your portable CD player.

    11. Burn a CD with Media Player 10

      1. If you have not already done so, verify that publisher permissions allow the title to be burned to CD as follows:
        • In the OverDrive Media Console 'Media Library', click the desired title then click the 'Properties' button. The 'Properties' dialog box is displayed.
        • Click the 'License' tab. 'License details' for the title you selected are displayed. If the publisher permits the title to be burned to CD, the details will read 'This title can be burned until mm/dd/yyyy.' (some publishers do not allow audio files to be burned to CD)
      2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight your book and click the 'Transfer/burn' button, or choose menu option File > Transfer/Burn. Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the title; you may stop playback at this point if you choose.
      3. If you're running Windows Media Player in 'Skin Mode', be sure to switch to 'Full Mode' before proceeding.
      4. Click the 'Library' tab. The media library will be displayed but the 'Now Playing List' should remain.
      5. Depending on the number of parts you want to burn to CD, do one of the following:
        • If you wish to burn all parts to CD, insert a blank CDR in your CD-RW drive and click the 'Start Burn' button. Windows Media Player will burn the parts to CD in the order that they appear in the 'Now Playing List'. The Player will prompt you when it requires a new CD.
        • If you wish to burn only specific part(s) to CD, you may remove parts from the Burn List. Just click on them and press the 'Delete' key. Alternately, you may right-click an unwanted part and select 'Remove from List' from the menu. When the Burn List is ready, insert a blank CDR in your CD-RW drive and click the 'Start Burn' button.
      6. Windows Media Player will inspect, convert, and temporarily copy the part(s) in preparation for burning. This process may take a few minutes. You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field next to the part name in the Burn List.
      7. When the burning process is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'. You may now eject the disc and play your eMusic title on your home stereo CD player, your car stereo CD player, or on your portable CD player.

  5. Compatible Devices

    1. List of Compatible Devies

      • AudioVox PPC-6700 Smartphone from Sprint
      • AudioVox XV6700 Smartphone from Verizon
      • iRiver T10 with the firmware update available at: http://www.iriver.com/html/support/download/sudw_list.asp?searchproductidx=66
      • iRiver T30 with the firmware update available at: http://www.iriver.com/html/support/download/sudw_list.asp?searchproductidx=73
      • Rio Carbon
      • SanDisk M230
      • View OverDrive's full list here

    2. Test Compatibility of Your Device

    3. OverDrive's Most Frequently Asked Questions

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