Computer and Library Learning (Archived)

 Last Week Research in Motion unveiled the new operating system (OS 2) for the Blackberry PlayBook    Reviews have been mixed.  The biggest story seems to be the new native email and calendar feature which allows users to access their email and calendar without having to tether to their blackberries.  There is also access to a larger number of apps thanks to Playbooks new compatibility with select Android apps.

  What's of greater interest to those of us in library land however is the new access to Overdrive Media Console because what it means is that the Playbook is now able to support library e-book and e-audiobook downloads. 

  What's more is that these items can be downloaded directly onto the PlayBook Tablet without the need to transfer them from your computer.

  This can cause some confusion if you're used to using the web browser to check out and download books. 

  The Playbook browser will let you select and check out books as well. But to actually download the item for use on the Playbook, you need to do it via the Overdrive app.

  You will also have to go to the app store and download Overdrive as this app is not built in.  Luckily it's free.

  Here are the main steps in making your Playbook a library compatible e-reader

1. Make Sure your Playbook is updated to the new OS. If it's not, the next time you connect it to the Internet it will tell you the new OS is available.

2.  Go to Blackberry App World search select and download Overdrive Media Console. (It's free!)

3.  Open the Console, swipe down from black perimeter at top.  Select "Get Books".

4.  You need to tell the app which library you want to borrow from. Search for  Toronto Public Library or, if you prefer browsing, select Canada , then Ontario and finally your branch.   

5.Tap the star to add the selected Library to your  “Get Books” list.

6.Log in  with your library card and PIN.

7.You can check out and download library books from within the app.

With the Audiobooks, that's all you need to do.  With your first ebooks however, you will need to enter your Adobe Digital editions ID and Password (or create them) to authorize the Playbook. Once you have done that, you will not need to repeat this step.

Happy reading and listening!