Returning early: ebook answers #1

I watch and respond to a number of customer comments on ebooks.  Here’s an answer to one of the most popular questions that customers ask.

Q: How can I return a digital library item early?

A: My first answer is: That depends.

• Audio files can’t be returned early.   I can’t take the time to explain it in detail, but it’s just a part of the business at this time.   (Note: There’s much to learn about .wma and .mp3 files, but suffice it to say that audiobook contnet for libraries in digital format for download from Overdrive is very different than ebook content and need their own set of instructions.)
• If it’s a simple ebook file in epub, pdf, or kindle formats, it can be returned early in a variety of ways depending on which device and/or computer you are using.   You need to read the instructions on every screen in order to be successful. Are you doing that?  Do you read the whole screen and understand the question before you click Yes or No or Accept?  Did you read the terms of use?  Do you know what you signed up for?  The library encourages you to use information and to be aware of your choices.

Kindle Early Return of Library Book

Login to your Amazon account.

Click on Manage Your Kindle

See the title in your library, complete an action from the menu:

It’s returned!   By default, you can keep the title in your library to remind you about it.   Amazon makes it easy for you to buy it if you wanted to access it again or if you didn’t have enough time to enjoy it while you had it checked out for 7 or 14 days.  Maybe you can borrow it again when you have more time to enjoy it, or you can delete it to keep a smaller list.  The choice is yours.  You manage your own account.  Amazon is content you are using their technology and that you’ve agreed to be their customer.

Adobe Digital Editions Early Return of Library Book

Open Adobe Digital Editions.

Go to library view.  

Click on the little arrow on the corner of the book cover or near the title.

Just like with the kindle account, adobe digital editions library keeps expired titles in a list in your library until you delete them, and you can’t access them again without re-borrowing and downloading again.  There’s no option for purchase from within Adobe Digital Editions.

Thanks for learning how to return a library item early.

Tip: It is a good practice to return digital ebooks when you are done.  It will automatically “return” to the library when its license expires, but ebooks on our Overdrive digital platform are just like physical books in that a license is issued for one customer to use it at a time; if there’s a waiting list for your ebook, returning it early gets it in the hands of the next customer on the list faster.

If you have a digital device and want to share tips and screenshots to help other library customers learn how to use it, feel free to share information in the comments below or ask me how you can contribute posts to this blog.   It’s fun and easy.