Monday, August 26, 2013

New version of Overdrive Media Console app (3.0)

OverDrive Media Console v3.0 has been released for Android and iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch) users.  This update has some of the “most requested” features by patrons using the Overdrive Media Console app across the world! 


OMC v3.0 has been completely redesigned with a focus on the user experience.  The app has an all-new look, with easier navigation using taps and swipes.  Watch a video preview of OMC v3.0 here now!

When you first open OMC v3.0, you will see a new start screen prompting you to add a library, add books to your bookshelf, and create an Adobe ID, complete with visuals to point you in the right direction!  Once this is done, more tutorial screens will walk you through the new interface, showing up when you go to your bookshelf or open an eBook. Each tutorial screen shows up once, but is available again using the option in Settings to show tutorials next time the app is started.

New Features of Next Generation Overdrive Media Console:

-History-a list of titles that have been deleted or returned  This allows you to keep track of the titles you have read – options range from the last 10 deleted titles to the last 100 deleted titles.

-Home Menu-your 1-stop for navigating the app. From there, you can access My Libraries, Bookshelf, Settings, History, OverDrive One and more. To access, swipe from the left of your screen while in the app.

-In-app help- access app help from the new Home Menu.

-Book menu-Allows for simpler navigation within the book, providing access to the table of contents, book details, and editable bookmarks.  To access, swipe from the right of your screen while in the app.

-OverDrive One- an opt-in registration service that gives users the ability to sync bookmarks and reading progress across multiple devices.  Stop reading a book on your iPad, pick up your Android smart phone, and start reading exactly where you left off!

-Variable eAudiobook speed playback for iOS users. Slow your listening down to ½ speed or speed it up to 2x’s as fast!  (Not available for Android users)


Other Changes:  Bookshelf- Titles you have downloaded in your app now display differently.  You will see tiled covers of the books, as well as easier expiration date visibility.  To return a title from your bookshelf, you tap and hold on the jacket cover.  This will bring up the options to return, delete, or share the title.  As before, to remove a title from your library account, you must return not delete.

OMC v3.0 requires: Android OS v4.0 (or newer) for Android devices and iOS 6 (or newer) for iOS users. Older versions of OMC will remain available for download for users who have older operating systems.  (To find your operating system: On an iOS device tap Settings > General > About.  On an Android phone tap System Settings > About phone.  On an Android tablet tap System Settings > About tablet.)

Users will be prompted to install the new version.  These changes will not take place until users update their app. Overdrive will continue to support older versions of OMC.  If you wish not to update your app, it will continue to work as it always has.

For more info and to help you navigate the changes, the help articles and videos from Overdrive have been updated. 

Sarah Hawkins, Branch Librarian, Chisago Lakes Area Library

Friday, August 23, 2013

Celebrating 25 Years of the MN Book Awards – From Main Street to Your Street


Now that fall is just around the corner, what a better time to settle down with a good book – and a good book written by a Minnesota author.  The Minnesota Book Awards was created in 1988 by The Friends of the St. Paul Public Library and other libraries as part of the Festival of the Book.  The Friends of the St. Paul Public Library now retain full responsibility for the Book Awards.  The awards are given each year to books in eight categories by Minnesota writers or illustrators.  Nominations for the 2013 MN Book Awards began August 1.

Recently each of ECRL’s 14 branches put up displays about the MN Book Awards with books by Minnesota authors.  You may also stop and pick up a Minnesota Writer’s Map.  In partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota Book Awards put together a map called Minnesota Writers on the Map.  It includes many Minnesota authors who have made a significant impact on the state.  You’ll find such notables as Sinclair Lewis, Robert Bly, Sigurd Olson, Frederick Manfred and Maud Hart Lovelace.  The placement of the authors on one side of the map represents their birthplace, the place with which the writer was associated, or the location where he or she spent a majority of his writing life in the state.   The backside of the map list authors by region and includes their name, birthdate and birthplace, date they died (if applicable), plus a list of some of their more notable works.  The map was a collaborative effort from the Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage fund, the Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators, the Minnesota Historical Society and the St. Paul Friends of the Library.  Stop by and take peruse the display, books and pick up a Minnesota Authors map and/or MN Book Awards bookmark at any of ECRL branches.
 
Vickie Sorn, ECRL Youth & Community Services Librarian















Wednesday, August 14, 2013

2013 ECRL Blue Ribbon Reader Named



Faith, 2013 Blue Ribbon Reader
 
 
It’s fair time and everyone wants to win a blue ribbon!  This year, the Minnesota Summer Reading Program and Youth Services Committee decided to recognize a Blue Ribbon Reader from each public library region in the State of Minnesota.

Each public library system was asked to submit the name of one child (K-12) who has shown great enthusiasm in the summer reading program, participation in summer reading events and who deserves to be recognized for their summer reading achievements. 




Vickie Sorn, Youth &
Community Services
Librarian presents Faith
her ribbon & tickets.






Each of the 14 branch libraries, our two link sites and outreach program in the East Central Regional Library system participated.  The names of the children nominated from each branch were submitted and a winner drawn from the nominations.  Faith Ann Larson representing our East Central Regional Library’s Mille Lacs Lake Community Branch Library was named the Blue Ribbon Reader for the ECRL region.  Faith is 7 years old, lives in Wahkon and is the daughter of Aaron and Alecia Larson..  She received a four pack of MN State Fair tickets plus her very own “Star Reader” blue ribbon!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Forthcoming titles - August 2013


Forthcoming titles - Click here to search for and place your hold on the ECRL catalog.

ADULT FICTION




Title Author
BLINDSIDED Michaels, Fern
FEAR NOTHING Gardner, Lisa
INNOCENCE Koontz, Dean R.
KILLER Kellerman, Jonathan
MRS. LINCOLN'S RIVAL Chiaverini, Jennifer
RIVER ROAD Krentz, Jayne Ann
STANDUP GUY Woods, Stuart



LARGE PRINT

Title Author
BRIDE FOR NOAH Copeland, Lori
DOCTOR SLEEP: A NOVEL King, Stephen
DOING HARD TIME Woods, Stuart
FINAL CUT Coulter, Catherine
KILLER: AN ALEX DELAWARE NOVEL Kellerman, Jonathan
MACNAMARA'S WOMAN Scott, Alicia
MIRROR, MIRROR Robb, J. D.
REVELATION IN AUTUMN Brunstetter, Wanda E.
SILENCING EVE Johansen, Iris
SPYMISTRESS Chiaverini, Jennifer
WOMAN'S OWN Carr, Robyn

BOOKS ON CD

Title Author
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Roberts, Nora
BLINDSIDED Michaels, Fern
FACE OF FEAR Koontz, Dean R.
FOR THE ROSES Garwood, Julie
HAZARDOUS DUTY Griffin, W. E. B.
KILLER Kellerman, Jonathan
LOST MELODY Copeland, Lori
OFFER Coulter, Catherine
RANDI Jackson, Lisa
SINISTER Jackson, Lisa
SLADE Jackson, Lisa
TAKEDOWN TWENTY Evanovich, Janet
TAKEN IN DEATH Robb, J. D.
TATTERED QUILT Brunstetter, Wanda E.
TRUE BLUE Rice, Luanne
TRUE COLORS Krentz, Jayne Ann


Marcia Ledin, Technical Services Coordinator