Overdrive is one of the many services -- though it was the first -- to provide digital content to public libraries. Popular both here in the U.S. and the U.K. library patrons have a very accessible experience in Windows and iOS to log in to their library, browse, select and download audio and epub books. Overdrive can also let you borrow Kindle books which you can read in the Kindle app. In all cases, books expire automatically unless you renew them when the loan period is over.
I use Overdrive to consume a multitude of ebooks and audio books using my iPHONE, and sometimes Windows with a portable MP3 player.
When I logged in recently using Google Chrome on Windows, a pop-up appeared informing that Overdrive had a new app out called Libby. Libby was supposed to be friendlier, enabling one-tap borrowing. Right now you put a book on your shelf, then download it in Windows, but in iOS it's even easier, so I wasn't sure how much easier Libby could actually get. There was a video showing the app and lots of encouragement to download it for free.
I did, and when the app loaded it "played" a "secret message for screen reader users" which was heard through voiceover but would not appear if voiceover was off. Basically, the message apologized that Libby wasn't accessible, that the developers were aware of the issue, that the old Overdrive app would provide a better experience, and kindly requested users to accept their sincere regrets.
After the message, I continued, and it was indeed correct. The app is quite colorful with Libby being some sort of cartoon character "asking" you things. It showed a map and Libby asked you to point out your library on the map. I tried, even searching for my library, but the app is indeed not accessible for VoiceOver.
I wonder if Zoom users would fare better.
Libby:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/libby-by-overdrive/id1076402606?mt=8
Original (accessible!) overdrive app
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/overdrive-library-ebooks-and-audiobooks/id366869252?mt=8
The overdrive app is also reasonably accessible on Kindle and Android though I prefer to use it on iOS.
Comments
TotalBoox is also not accessible
Also some of my local libraries are now using an ebook service called TotalBoox (that's "books with an X!) It too isonly partly accessible. The app does let you download books but it's very cumbersome to use with voiceover, though the website is a bit more accessible. But it appears that only the headings and subheadings in the book are textbased; the books I downloaded appeared to all be images.
TotalBoox app:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/total-boox-for-libraries/id664645602?mt=8
There are several new commercial audio book services that compete directly with Audible; the books are not free. But their apps are far more accessible than these two library apps.
Overdrive is less accessible then it used to be
Libby still shows that secret message, after all this time. I have managed to navigate a bit with Libby. But, is not easy.
Meanwhile: Overdrive has become harder to use. I think it was partly changes to iOS VoiceOver navigation that have made Overdrive nearly unusable.
Libby still not accessible
Though the message claims they are working hard and the accessible version will be out soon. Found this out when I also downloaded the Windows 10 Libby app.
My 86-year-old mom who is sighted, loves Libby though and for her it's been a game-changer. She found Overdrive very confusing.
Now Libby seems to work with Voiceover
But I haven't been able to figure out how to get Voiceover to read continuously by doing the two finger swipe down. Has anyone been able to do this?
Libby on mac
Hi, Is libby accessible on the mac? I would use the iOS app, but I really wanted to listen on my stream. So I'm wondering if Libby works on the mac. I know overdrive won't work on my mac, since my mac is running big sir. So am I out of luck, or not? Any guidance would be wonderful.
Two-finger swipe still a little weird
Though 5.1.1 was released six months ago and fixed all accessibility bugs, there's still some weirdness with the two-finger swipe down when reading. However, I'm thinking it's an iOS bug because I've seen it with other reading apps as well. Libby now seems completely accessible, and you can always move most of the books you borrow to the kindle app -- search the internet for tutorials on doing this.
So glad Libby is accessible now
I gave up on overdrive in Libby along time ago and I've been missing books through public library services. So I'm very happy that they've made it accessible.
I noticed two finger swiped down works with some books but not every book.