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Library and Information Sciences

OverDrive: Popular Science eBooks and Audiobooks

Borrow popular science eBooks and audiobooks through OverDrive to read on your computer, mobile device, or Kindle. You can even download content for offline usage. This service is compatible with all computers, smart phones, tablets, and eReaders. 

Visit https://nihlibrary.overdrive.com to view the titles that are available through the NIH Library. You can check out items, read or listen to them on your device or computer, place holds, and even recommend new content. 

GET STARTED

On Your Computer

  • Visit the NIH Library OverDrive page. Sign in using your NIH email address.
  • Browse the collection or search for your next great read through the OverDrive interface.

On Your Device

  • Visit your device’s app store to locate the “Libby” app and install it on your device. Go to https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby for information on how to find the app and get started.
  • Once installed, open the Libby app on your device. The initial screen asks you if you have a library card. Select "Yes."
  • If you already have the Libby app, select the bottom center button and choose "Add Library"
  • Search for and select "National Institutes of Health Library" and select "Use My Email Address." Enter your NIH email address. A verification code will be sent to your NIH email address; enter the emailed code into the Libby app.
  • Browse the collection or search for your next great read through the OverDrive interface.

START READING OR LISTENING

  • Click “Borrow” or “Place a Hold” on the item you want to check out.
  • You may be prompted to enter your NIH email address and a verification code sent to that address.
  • To read on your computer: select “Read now with Kindle” to read on your Kindle, or select “Read now in Browser” to read directly through your browser.
  • To read on your device: click "Open now" and select the item to read on your Kindle or through the Libby app.
  • To listen on your computer: select “Download MP3 audiobook”, or “Listen now in browser” to listen through your computer.
  • To listen on your device: select “Open audiobook” to listen through your device.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need an OverDrive account? 
No. NIH staff can sign in using their NIH email address.

What's the difference between OverDrive and Libby? 
OverDrive is the platform and the name of the parent company. Libby is the app made by OverDrive for patrons to borrow and read/listen to books from the OverDrive platform. 

Do I need to be on the NIH network to access the NIH Library collection? 
No. NIH staff can access the NIH collection on any device on any network, using their NIH email address.

Can I access and use the NIH Library’s OverDrive collection on my personal computer or device? 
Yes, but you must use your NIH email address to set up an account.

I already have OverDrive's Libby app on my device. How do I add the NIH Library to my libraries? 
Click the three horizontal lines on the bottom of the screen of the Libby app interface and select “Add a library.” 
Search or browse for and select “National Institutes of Health Library” which should open the main browsing screen for the NIH Library collection.

If I’ve checked out an item on one browser/device, can I access that same item on another browser/device? 
Yes. All items checked out to your account will be available on any device/browser once you’ve logged into your NIH Library account using your NIH email address.

How do I borrow an item? 
Find the item you would like to check out and select “Borrow” (or “Place a Hold” if the item is already checked out to someone else.)

How do I renew my item? 
On the OverDrive website, select “Loans” from “My Account”, locate the item you want to renew, and click “Renew.” If you are using the Libby app, select the shelf icon on the bottom of the screen, locate the item you want to renew, and click "Renew." Please note that the “Renew” option only becomes available once your item is within 3 days of expiring. If the item is on hold for someone else, the item will be placed on hold for you to check out once it becomes available.

How long can I borrow an item? 
You can check out items for 7, 14, or 21 days.

How many titles can I check out at one time? 
You can borrow up to 2 titles at a time. You can place holds on up to 10 titles at one time.

More information on using OverDrive is available on the OverDrive help page.

For more information about the NIH Library's OverDrive collection, contact Lisa Scanlon at [email protected] or 301-827-3830.

Training & Events

Let the NIH Library help you improve your searching, reference management skills, data management and other work related skills.

Classes are free, hands-on, and open to NIH and HHS staff. Attend virtually (when offered) or on-site in the NIH Library Training Room, Building 10 Clinical Center, near the South Entrance. In addition to on-site and webinar training, we offer self-paced online tutorials. These tutorials cover a variety of topics. Our most popular tutorials are listed below.

Training Program

The NIH Library Training Program delivers specialized trainings to NIH Researchers, trainees, staff, and select HHS agencies without dedicated libraries. Our program is dedicated to supporting the research needs of our customers and enhancing their use of library-provided products, databases and select open-source tools.

Cost

The NIH Library Training Program is free to attend.

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