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What is OverDrive?

Purpose

To give information on the OverDrive service and products available to Reading Cloud customers.

What is OverDrive?

OverDrive is an online resource database of ebooks and audiobooks. We have partnered with OverDrive to provide access to these resources through our library system. This means that a student will not require separate login credentials and different weblinks to access the resources.

Confirmation of the purchase will be provided by your OverDrive representative. If you have purchased primary ebooks now (PEN) or secondary ebooks now (SEN), you will need to run the import of the ebook/audiobook resources and ensure that students/borrowers have their own Reading Cloud login credentials.

Did you know? OverDrive offers a cost-effective ebook solution to enrich and diversify your school’s library collection. Find out more here.

Things to Know Regarding OverDrive Resources

Customers that are subscribed to PEN/SEN are accessing a shared catalogue. This can mean that eResources will not always be available to immediately issue out, as there will only be a select number of copies available to distribute amongst those sharing the catalogue. This is where the reserve option would be utilised.

Resources that are loaned are on a 7-day period with an automatic return. They cannot be returned prior to the 7 days.

The PEN/SEN catalogue is updated regularly by Overdrive, with the allowances being increased and decreased as demand requires, as well as new resources being added in and older resources removed. This includes audiobooks and various magazines and comics. 

It is important to therefore ensure that the OverDrive import via 'Catalogue Enrichment' is run on a weekly basis so that the records present in the system reflect what is currently available in the collection. The primary titles included in each package can be viewed here on Overdrive's site. 

PEN and SEN are curated for UK schools by applicable publishers and Overdrive. While Overdrive provides resources internationally, the resource availability and offerings will vary depending on the region. 

OverDrive do provide their own app called SORA, which also provides access to any items within your OverDrive collection. Any guidance on using and connecting to this app will need to be requested from your OverDrive Representative. The Sora app is not provided or operated by Reading Cloud. 

Sora credentials cannot be used to access Reading Cloud, they can only be used on the Sora platform. SSO credentials cannot be used to access Sora via Reading Cloud. 


How some of our other customers have phrased this

- What is Overdrive?

- How do I connect to Overdrive/Sora?

- How do I import Overdrive resources?

- How do I access Sora?