Ebook FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about ebooks at DCDL.  If you do not find the answer that you need, please ask a librarian.

What is an ebook?

Most simply, ebook is short for electronic book, a digital file containing text and images that can be viewed on a computer or electronic reading device.  Frequently, the term ebook is also used to refer to digital audiobooks that are played on a computer or portable audio device.

How can I get free ebooks?

DCDL library card holders may download free ebooks from the Ohio eBook Project, the SEO Library Consortium, and Blio. You can find older, public domain titles at Project Gutenberg and LibriVox.  Note: If you have a library card from Columbus or another Franklin County library, you can use their Digital Media Collection too.

What do I need to borrow ebooks from the library?

All you need is a valid library card and a computer or device with Internet access.

What is the Ohio eBook Project?

Ohio eBook ProjectThe Ohio eBook Project (OEP) is a consortium of 84 Ohio public libraries that provides free ebooks, audiobooks, music, and video to library patrons.  Each individual library purchases titles to add to the collection, which is shared among patrons of all of the libraries in the group.

SEO eBooksThe Ohio eBook Project collaborates with the SEO Library Consortium, providing a separate but similar collection of ebooks. If a title you want is not available at OEP, you might find it at SEO.

What is available from the Ohio eBook Project?

The Ohio eBook Project offers ebooks, audiobooks, music and video in a variety of electronic formats from Overdrive, a leading provider of ebooks to libraries.  These can be used on a personal computer as well as many popular portable devices including Kindle, Nook, iPad, Android, and more.  For a complete list of compatible devices, visit Overdrive’s Device Resource Center. 

How do I get Ohio eBook Project ebooks onto my device?

You can find detailed instructions for a wide variety of devices at Overdrive Help. 

What are the rules for borrowing Ohio eBook Project ebooks?

    • You may check out up to 10 titles at one time with your library card.
    • The lending period is 14 days, but you may choose to shorten this to 7 days.
    • You do not have to return your checked out items.  They will expire automatically on the due date.
    • You cannot renew an item, but you may check out the same title again if it is still available after the lending period has expired.

 What are Axis 360 Books?

Blio eBooksAxis 360 is a separate collection of ebooks purchased by DCDL especially for our patrons.  They are borrowed with a DCDL library card through the Axis 360 site.

 How is Axis 360 different from the Ohio eBook Project?

The main difference is the format of the ebooks.  Axis 360 ebooks come in a format that requires software called Blio or the mobile Blio app.  Blio is available for PC as well as iOS and Android tablets and mobile devices.  Axis 360 also gives you the option of borrowing ebooks in epub format.  Use this option if you want to transfer your ebooks from your computer to a Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo or other compatible device.  This requires a separate download of the Adobe Digital Editions software.  Another way to access epub format books is through the Axis Reader app available for iOS and Android devices.  You can get the free Blio software/app, Adobe Digital Editions, or the Axis Reader app from the App Zone at the Axis 360 site.

How do I borrow and download Axis 360 ebooks?

1. Go to Axis 360 (http://dcdl.axis360.baker-taylor.com) or click on the Blio Books icon on our website's home page.

2. Log in with your library card number and PIN. If you are a new user, you create your PIN (4-digit number) the first time you log in. You will also be prompted to choose a user name and enter your email address. 

3. If you do not already have Blio, Adobe Digital Editions, or Axis Reader, follow the link to App Zone. Blio is available for Windows, iOS and Android.  The first time you open Blio, you will need to create a Blio account with an email address and password.  Adobe Digital Editions is available for Windows.  After you download it you will need to authorize it with an Adobe ID, which you can create for free at Adobe.com.  Axis Reader is available for iOS through iTunes or for Android through Google Play.  Axis Reader also requires authorization with an Adobe ID.

4. Back at the Axis 360 site, you can see featured items on the "Magic Wall," browse by subject area, or search for specific titles or authors. When you check out an ebook, it will download to your computer or device and be available for viewing in your Blio Reader, Adobe Digital Editions, or Axis Reader depending on the format that you have chosen.

Can I download Axis 360 ebooks to a Kindle?

Only on Kindle models, such as the Kindle Fire, that allow the installation of apps.  You will need to install the Blio app or Axis Reader app for Android.  Basic Kindle models do not currently support either app.

What are the rules for borrowing Axis 360 ebooks?

    • You may check out up to 5 titles at one time with your library card.
    • The lending period is 21 days, but you may shorten this to as few as 5 days during the checkout process.
    • You do not have to return your checked out items.  They will expire automatically on the due date.
    • You cannot renew an item, but you may check out the same title again if it is still available after the lending period has expired.