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Help - Basics - General

What follows are frequently asked questions about audiobooks and the Borders website. Click the question to hear the question and answer. Each answer is followed by a back to top link that leads back to the list of questions.

What kinds of materials can I purchase from this website?

We are pleased to offer the following types of materials for purchase and download from this website:

  • Digital Audiobooks in the OverDrive Media Console™ format
  • Digital MP3 Audiobooks in the OverDrive Media Console™ format

To review system requirements and download free software for your preferred format, click below:

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What is a 'Digital Audiobook'?

A 'Digital Audiobook' is a digital version of an audiobook that is rights-protected and optimized for download.

To read more about free Digital Audiobook software, click on the link below:

To review system requirements and instructions for download, click on the link below:

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What is an MP3 Digital Audiobook?

An MP3 Digital Audiobook title is an audiobook that has been optimized for download. MP3 Digital Audiobook titles are compatible with many different devices including most cell phones, PDAs, and MP3 players.

To read more about free digital audiobook software, click on the link below:

To review system requirements, click on the link below:

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What software do I need to use content at this site?

In order to purchase and use a specific format of digital material, you must download and install the appropriate software.

OverDrive Media Console (for WMA Digital Audiobooks) is available for desktop and laptop computers with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Windows Mobile operating systems. For more information on OverDrive Media Console, click here.

OverDrive Media Console (for MP3 Digital Audiobooks) is available for desktop and laptop computers with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Mobile, and Mac® operating systems. For more information on OverDrive Media Console, click here.

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How do I get to WMA Digital Audiobook titles after I've downloaded them?

To open an audiobook, open OverDrive Media Console and double-click the desired title in the 'Media Library'.

If you've misplaced your copy of a downloaded title, this site maintains a history of purchased digital materials called 'Your Digital Audiobook Library'. You can re-download from the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' feature by clicking on the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' link in the 'My Account' section. To reach the 'My Account' section, click the 'My Account' link and enter the required login information.

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How do I get to MP3 Digital Audiobook titles after I've downloaded them?

To open an audiobook, open OverDrive Media Console and double-click the desired title in the 'Media Library'.

If you've misplaced your copy of a downloaded title, this site maintains a history of purchased digital materials called 'Your Digital Audiobook Library'. You can re-download from the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' feature by clicking on the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' link in the 'My Account' section. To reach the 'My Account' section, click the 'My Account' link and enter the required login information.

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How do I purchase digital content?

After finding a title to purchase, click on the 'add to cart' link to add the title to your Shopping Cart. After checkout, you will be directed to a download page where you can click on the 'Download' button to download a purchased item to your computer.

If you would prefer to perform the download at a later time, you can return to the site and click on the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' link to display 'Download' links for previously purchased materials.

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Can I download a title multiple times?

If you've misplaced your copy of a downloaded title, this site maintains a history of purchased digital materials called 'Your Digital Audiobook Library'. You can re-download from the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' feature by clicking on the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' link in the 'My Account' section. To reach the 'My Account' section, click the 'My Account' link and enter the required login information.

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What happens to the title I downloaded once I've finished with it?

A downloaded title remains on your computer unless you manually delete it. 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' is a history of purchased titles maintained at this site. Titles can be re-downloaded using the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' feature by clicking on the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' link.

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Can I use the materials I purchase from this site on multiple computers?

This depends on the format…

    WMA Digital Audiobooks can be downloaded to multiple computers, transferred to supported portable devices, and burned to CD (when allowed by the publisher).


    MP3 Digital Audiobooks can be downloaded to multiple computers, transferred to supported portable devices, and burned to CD.

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Can I download and play OverDrive titles on a Windows Mobile® device?

You can download and play OverDrive titles on a Windows Mobile device using OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile. To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile, click here.

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What is an enhanced title?

Enhanced titles are accompanied by supplemental material provided by the publisher. Once you have purchased an enhanced title, you will be able to download the title as well as the supplemental material.

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How do I know if a title is enhanced?

Enhanced titles are clearly labeled with the designation '[ENHANCED]'.

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I'm interested in an enhanced title but I really only want one of the files. Do I have to download both?

No. You need only download the file in which you are interested.

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How can I tell the format of the supplemental file that comes with an enhanced title? How will I know what software I need to use it?

The file format of the supplemental file is indicated at the title details page (click the link '[ENHANCED]'). Additionally, the file format is recapped on the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' page. At the 'Your Digital Audiobook Library' page, you'll also find a link to the download instructions for the software required to use the supplemental file.

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This title can be played on Windows® computers.
This title can be burned to CD.
This title cannot be burned to CD.
This title can be used on portable devices that support DRM-protected WMA files via OverDrive Media Console for Windows or Windows Mobile.
This title can be played on Apple portable devices.
This title can be transferred to iPods®/iPhones™ using OverDrive Media Console (v3.2 or newer) for Windows.
This title cannot be played on Apple portable devices.
This title can be transferred to most MP3 players.
This title can only be transferred to MP3 players that support DRM-protected WMA files.