You can access Ancestry Library Edition on library computers at any of our Libraries. We're sorry but current technical constraints mean Ancestry Library Edition is no longer available on your own device.
eResources FAQs
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General Questions
Most eResources may be used by anyone in one of our libraries, using a library PC or WiFi connection, or by library members over the internet by entering your Christchurch City Libraries card number and password / PIN. However, because we subscribe to most of the eResources our contracts with our suppliers may restrict who we can offer access to.
Access to some eResources may be restricted to
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In libraries only
Some resources may only be accessed from within our libraries and are not available over the internet, e.g. Ancestry.com. -
Active library cards
Some eResources may not be accessed if you have a bar on your library card, just as you can't borrow physical items if your card is barred/suspended. -
Christchurch City Residents and Ratepayers
Subscription members may access all electronic resources except where they are specifically excluded by the terms of Christchurch City Libraries’ contractual agreements with those suppliers.
Our eResource collection also includes local eResources that Christchurch City Libraries have developed, currently maintain or have made a significant contribution to, and these are provided freely for anyone to use.
Some eResouces may ask you to create an account with them for which you may have to create a log-in and password that are separate from your library account details. An account may be necessary to allow you to:
- maintain progress or scores, for example if you’re learning a language;
- create playlists, wishlists etc;
- purchase access to additional content that is not offered as a part of our subscription with the product.
If you've received the message "You have been suspended for downloading too much data, please try again later" you have exceeded the total download limit we've set for remote users of our eResources.
We've set this limit to comply with content provider requests, minimise the potential for the illicit download of large amounts of content, and limit reductions in access speed.
Please contact us and we can take a look at your specific usage requirements.
Now that Christchurch City Libraries has a number of downloadable products we have created a page that summarizes the main points when borrowing from these services for your clarification:
Summary of eBook, eAudiobook and eMagazine lending policies
Windows
P4 1.4Ghz or higher
Windows Vista/7/8
512 Mb RAM or higher
Internet explorer 8.0 or later versions, Firefox, Google ChromeMac
Intel core duo 1.83Ghz processor or higher
Mac OSX version 10.6 or higher
512 Mb RAM or higher
Firefox , Safari 5.0 or later versions
Other browsers may work with busythings.co.uk, but are unsupported.iPad
iPad 2 or higher with iOS 6 or higher
Please ensure your iPad is running the latest version of iOS.
If you encounter any problems, please try powering your iPad down and then restarting it. You can also try going into the Settings App, selecting Safari on the left and selecting Clear History and Website Data.
Android
Android 4.1 or higher
Please ensure you have the latest version of Chrome.If you encounter any problems, please try powering your tablet down and then restarting it. Also, in Chrome, click the ... button in the top right corner, select History and the select Clear Browsing Data. Then press Clear.
Find My Past added the 1939 register to the library edition of Find My Past in February 2016. Before then it had only been available to individual subscribers.
What is the 1939 register?
On 29th September 1939, as Britain faced the certainty of war, householders were given a card to fill out answering questions that would give the Government to a breakdown of the population and assess their needs, a process that would culminate in the setting up of the NHS. This information would inform their decisions on identity cards, rationing, conscription and more. The Census Act of 1920 provides that no UK census can be made available for the public to view until 100 years after being taken. Owing to World War 2, there is a 30 year gap between available censuses. This is significant, as it means a three decade-long gap between surviving censuses. The 1939 Register bridges that gap. It is of huge interest to genealogists and historians.
Subscription members cannot access BorrowBox due to licensing restrictions.
We do have many other eResources you can use.
Library members should be able to access most of the eResources from anywhere on the internet by entering their library card number and password / PIN. However there are some known issues with accessing e-resources.
Browsers
Some websites in our e-resources may not work so well in some older web browsers. If at all possible keep your browser up to date as this is also important for the security of your computer.
JavaScript & Cookies
Check your web browser (internet Explorer, Chrome, FireFox etc) settings to ensure that you haven't disabled JavaScript or web cookies as many e-resources require JavaScript and cookies in order to function.
Flash
Some websites in our e-resources require Adobe Flash player in order to work. If you are using an iOS device (iPad, iPod touch, iPhone) that cannot play Flash look to see if there is an app for that site.
Still having trouble?
If you are using your computer at home then please contact us or fill in the technical help form.
If you are using your computer at work, check with your IT department / person to see if you have any issues that may prevent connection. If you do, ask your IT person to email us at LibraryIT@ccc.govt.nz or fill in the technical help form.
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In libraries only
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Libby App
AWA is our new shared digital collection with Selwyn Libraries. Christchurch City Customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site are all set. They will see the collection has changed its name to AWA and will enjoy greater choice and access in this shared collection.
If you are signing into the Libby App for the first time follow the prompts to find your library.
A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide you to our AWA collection.
Select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with your Library card and PIN or password
If you are new to our classic OverDrive site click sign in and select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with your Library card and PIN or password
Libby's Skip the Line collection are special copies of popular titles that we've set aside from the holds list so you can borrow them straight away. They work like our Bestseller Collection in our libraries, except they are in digital format and free! Titles in our Skip the Line collection are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you find a Skip the Line title, you can borrow it immediately but it does come with a few unique rules.
Skip the Line copies of titles:
- Have a two-week loan
- Can't be renewed
- Have a limit of one at a time.
In Libby, Skip the line copies are marked with a shamrock icon. You will see the Skip the Line list on our Libby homepage, in search results, or when browsing. There's also a Skip the line filter on the Search page.
On our OverDrive homepage you'll see our full Skip the Line collection.
If you want a longer lending period and don't mind waiting, you can still place a hold on a Skip the Line title.
Here's more information about how to place a hold on a Skip the Line title in Libby.
OverDrive (Libby App) Magazines are always available to read and don't count towards your 30 item borrowing limit.
Reading magazines in the Libby App has got a lot easier. Simply find the issue you want and start reading. You can also Keep for 7 Days and Subscribe to be notified when new issues come out. For more information see Libby Help - Reading Magazines
Unfortunately, our OverDrive site and Catalogue/Library account haven't quite caught up. You may notice magazines you've read in the Libby App are showing up as digital checkouts in your library account and your OverDrive account.
- You can ignore these checkouts (They'll expire on their due date)
- You can return them via your OverDrive account
We understand this is confusing and a little frustrating for our customers. OverDrive is considering how it can streamline the magazine reading experience across our different access points and account views.
How can people log into the new service?
The transition will be as seamless as possible for library customers. Our Christchurch City Libraries customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site won’t need to do anything. On the 1 July, our Go Live date, they will see the collection has changed its name to AWA.New Libby customers will follow the prompts to find their library. A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide them to the AWA collection. Then they select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with their Library card. New customers to, or existing customers who've signed out of, our classic OverDrive site will also select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with their Library card.
Why won’t Christchurch residents get the same increase in access to content as Selwyn?
Due to the difference in population size the Selwyn Libraries initial base collection will be less than Christchurch’s initial base collection.Won’t this result in more competition/longer wait time for popular titles?
Current selection and purchasing criteria is based on availability and customer demand; this will not change with the shared collection.Why are we doing this?
Library users will have more choice due to a richer variety of content, particularly newer and more popular items. The collaboration will help to build relationships between the two organisations, encouraging sharing of ideas and learning for the enhancement of services for all library members.How much is this going to cost?
The costs are within existing budgets.How are you able to provide this service without it costing more?
The new service delivers better value for money through a growth in the user base and in expected collection turnover.Is this a permanent arrangement?
This is a trial partnership lasting for a two-year period, from 1 July 2025. Over that timeframe both Selwyn Libraries and Christchurch City Libraries will conduct regular monitoring of data and usage. Parties will meet twice per annum to review the past period and forward plan. Prior to June 2027, we will review the success of the collaboration.Why aren’t other Canterbury councils included?
If the digital access partnership is successful, other opportunities to collaborate may be considered, such as programming and events, developing shared staff professional development, or expanding the arrangement to include the other Canterbury councils.On November 13, 2024, OverDrive retired the MP3 audiobook format from OverDrive library websites and ended support for OverDrive's desktop apps for Windows and Mac (which only worked with MP3 audiobooks).
You can listen to audiobooks using the following options:
- In Libby (available for Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire devices or at libbyapp.com in a web browser)
- On your library's OverDrive website using the Listen now in browser option
If you're missing parts (chapters, pages, minutes, etc.) of a downloaded book, audiobook, or magazine, delete and re-download it.
Steps for audiobooks and books
- Tap Shelf
. - Tap Loans at the top of the screen.
- Tap
, then Remove Download. - Wait for two minutes, then completely close the app:
- On Android devices: Open your recently used apps list, find the Libby app, and swipe to close it.
- On iOS devices: Close the Libby app by swiping up from the app switcher on your iPhone or iPad.
- Reopen the app.
- Go to your Shelf , then tap
next to the title. This will download a fresh copy.
Steps for magazines
- Tap Shelf .
- Tap
next to the magazine's name. - Tap Remove Download.
- Wait for two minutes, then completely close the app:
- On Android devices: Open your recently used apps list, find the Libby app, and swipe to close it.
- On iOS devices: Close the Libby app by swiping up from the app switcher on your iPhone or iPad.
- Reopen the app.
- Go to your Shelf , tap
next to the magazine, then Download.
If re-downloading the title doesn't resolve the issue, consider reporting it to the Libby Support team.
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AWA
AWA is our new shared digital collection with Selwyn Libraries. Christchurch City Customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site are all set. They will see the collection has changed its name to AWA and will enjoy greater choice and access in this shared collection.
If you are signing into the Libby App for the first time follow the prompts to find your library.
A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide you to our AWA collection.
Select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with your Library card and PIN or password
If you are new to our classic OverDrive site click sign in and select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with your Library card and PIN or password
How can people log into the new service?
The transition will be as seamless as possible for library customers. Our Christchurch City Libraries customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site won’t need to do anything. On the 1 July, our Go Live date, they will see the collection has changed its name to AWA.New Libby customers will follow the prompts to find their library. A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide them to the AWA collection. Then they select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with their Library card. New customers to, or existing customers who've signed out of, our classic OverDrive site will also select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with their Library card.
Why won’t Christchurch residents get the same increase in access to content as Selwyn?
Due to the difference in population size the Selwyn Libraries initial base collection will be less than Christchurch’s initial base collection.Won’t this result in more competition/longer wait time for popular titles?
Current selection and purchasing criteria is based on availability and customer demand; this will not change with the shared collection.Why are we doing this?
Library users will have more choice due to a richer variety of content, particularly newer and more popular items. The collaboration will help to build relationships between the two organisations, encouraging sharing of ideas and learning for the enhancement of services for all library members.How much is this going to cost?
The costs are within existing budgets.How are you able to provide this service without it costing more?
The new service delivers better value for money through a growth in the user base and in expected collection turnover.Is this a permanent arrangement?
This is a trial partnership lasting for a two-year period, from 1 July 2025. Over that timeframe both Selwyn Libraries and Christchurch City Libraries will conduct regular monitoring of data and usage. Parties will meet twice per annum to review the past period and forward plan. Prior to June 2027, we will review the success of the collaboration.Why aren’t other Canterbury councils included?
If the digital access partnership is successful, other opportunities to collaborate may be considered, such as programming and events, developing shared staff professional development, or expanding the arrangement to include the other Canterbury councils. -
NewsBank - Access New Zealand
NewsBank - Access New Zealand has full digital image versions of popular New Zealand Newspapers.Sign in to NewsBank - Access New Zealand with your library card and PIN or Password.1. Scroll down to the blue buttons on the right handside of the screen. Select any of these newspapers.
2. You will see two results. Select the second one (which says "image" under the format column).
3. Choose the date you want to read, either from the links at the top or by clicking on the calendar.
Your selected issue will load in the full digital image version. Enjoy!
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BorrowBox
To get started all you will need is an internet connection, your email address and library card number and password/PIN
The BorrowBox apps allow mobile device users to download eBooks and eAudiobooks directly onto their smart device. For users without a compatible BorrowBox device - you can download eAudiobooks directly to your computer.
No, to download an eAudiobook to your desktop you only require a media manager or media device that is MP3 compatible. Most computers already have these installed. For example most Windows computers have Windows Media Player or VLC player and Mac computers will have iTunes.
For downloading and listening on smartphones and tablets you will need the BorrowBox mobile app. These apps are available in iOS (Apple) from the App Store and Android from Google Play.
The speed of your download depends on your own internet connection and the size of the eAudiobook. If you are using a dial-up connection or have selected a large eAudiobook to download, you may want to use the option of downloading in parts.
After you log in go to your My Account page, from there you can update your details by clicking the Edit Account Details button.
Yes, early returns and cancellations of current reserves are possible through your My Account page or in the mobile apps.
Simply visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, search for the BorrowBox Library app and press the Update button.
IPHONE/IPOD/IPAD
Navigate to the Settings tab, go to the Account Details section and press the Reset button.
Please note that all current downloads will be lost. You will then be asked to sign in again.
ANDROID
Press the Menu button at the top right of the screen or on some devices below the screen and select Account Details. On the following screen select the Reset App option.
Unfortunately due to restrictions that Apple has put in iPads/iPhones, it is not possible to directly download eAudiobooks to the iPad/iPhone through the Safari Browser. You can however download via your computer and transfer the eAudiobooks via iTunes. Or you can use the BorrowBox Library mobile apps available on the Apple App Store, opens a new window and Google Play Store.
PC -
Computer: Locate your eAdudiobook folder, then right click and select Delete from the dropdown menu
Portable Media Device: Connect your portable media device to your computer, locate your eAudiobook folder, then right click on folder and select Delete from the dropdown menu
Mac -
Computer: Locate your eAudibook folder and click on it, then hold down the Apple key and press Delete.
Portable Media Device: Connect your portable media device to your computer, locate your eAudiobook folder and click on it, then hold down the Apple key and press Delete.
Mobile Apps-
In the BorrowBox mobile apps for Apple and Android devices, all files are deleted automatically at the end of the loan period.
In order to listen to your eAudiobook in a Media Manager, you need to ensure that you have extracted the files.
For Windows Media Player: open Windows Media Player then drag and drop extracted folder into the main window of Windows Media Player. To find your eAudiobook, make sure you are in the Music Library of Windows Media Player, then click on Album and scroll down to the corresponding first letter of the title.
Please note if the title has a prefix like "The", it will be sorted by the second word of the title.
For iTunes: open iTunes then drag and drop the extracted folder into your Music library
This depends on your operating system and browser:
- For Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6: by default, the download will be located on your Desktop.
- For Windows XP and all other browsers: you can find the download in the Downloads folder in My Documents.
- For Windows 7 and Vista with Internet Explorer and FireFox; the download will be located in the Downloads folder.
- For Windows 8 with Internet Explorer and FireFox: the download will be located in the Downloads folder.
- For all browsers on Mac: by default the download will be located in the Downloads folder.
A .zip file is a file that has been compressed to reduce its size making it quicker to download. To unzip your downloaded audiobook depends on what system you are using:
PC - Locate your downloaded eAudiobook folder, right click and select "Extract All" then follow the prompts to finish unzipping.
MAC- Locate your eAudiobook folder, then double click to unzip. For MAC users we reccomend using Safari as your internet browser as unzipping occurs automatically. For those running the latest MAC OS, depending on your settings the eAudiobook may automatically populate into iTunes.
Remember your eAudiobook folder will be located where you have set up your internet browser to download to (Downloads, Desktop etc).
Yes, you can. You can renew a title twice if no one else has placed a hold on it. That gives you a further two weeks each time you renew. To renew just click on the button that says Renew under items in My Loans.
You can borrow 10 items at any one time. Please note a hold counts towards your item limit of 10. For example you may have two holds which means you can only borrow eight further items. Items that are checked out have a two weeks loan period.
You can see how many titles you have checked out and your reserves in the right hand side of the page when you are logged in. Further details such as dates for return are available beneath Active Loans/Reserves in your My Account page.
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LinkedIn Learning
Yes. Find out more about the LinkedIn Learning App
No. You just need your library card and password/PIN.
Unfortunately your learning is attached to your library card number. If you get a new library card, you will lose your learning history.
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eResources Discovery Search
Due to the large amount of vendors involved standards can vary. Some publishers who have supplied the metadata you use to search is not as precise as needed. Usually you can search or browse for the article on the publishers site. If you have difficulties please call the library.
Due to the large amount of vendors involved standards can vary. Some publishers who have supplied the metadata you use to search is not as precise as needed. Usually you can search again on the eResources site. If you have difficulties please call the library.
eDS has guest access which allows non-authenticated users to begin searching without logging in. You can search all resources but if you want to access the full text you will have to log on using your library card and password/PIN
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OverDrive
AWA is our new shared digital collection with Selwyn Libraries. Christchurch City Customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site are all set. They will see the collection has changed its name to AWA and will enjoy greater choice and access in this shared collection.
If you are signing into the Libby App for the first time follow the prompts to find your library.
A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide you to our AWA collection.
Select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with your Library card and PIN or password
If you are new to our classic OverDrive site click sign in and select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with your Library card and PIN or password
Libby's Skip the Line collection are special copies of popular titles that we've set aside from the holds list so you can borrow them straight away. They work like our Bestseller Collection in our libraries, except they are in digital format and free! Titles in our Skip the Line collection are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you find a Skip the Line title, you can borrow it immediately but it does come with a few unique rules.
Skip the Line copies of titles:
- Have a two-week loan
- Can't be renewed
- Have a limit of one at a time.
In Libby, Skip the line copies are marked with a shamrock icon. You will see the Skip the Line list on our Libby homepage, in search results, or when browsing. There's also a Skip the line filter on the Search page.
On our OverDrive homepage you'll see our full Skip the Line collection.
If you want a longer lending period and don't mind waiting, you can still place a hold on a Skip the Line title.
Here's more information about how to place a hold on a Skip the Line title in Libby.
No.
The Kindle eReader does not support our Library eBook collections.
However the Kindle Fire tablet is compatible with our eBook platforms using an eReader app.
How can people log into the new service?
The transition will be as seamless as possible for library customers. Our Christchurch City Libraries customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site won’t need to do anything. On the 1 July, our Go Live date, they will see the collection has changed its name to AWA.New Libby customers will follow the prompts to find their library. A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide them to the AWA collection. Then they select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with their Library card. New customers to, or existing customers who've signed out of, our classic OverDrive site will also select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with their Library card.
Why won’t Christchurch residents get the same increase in access to content as Selwyn?
Due to the difference in population size the Selwyn Libraries initial base collection will be less than Christchurch’s initial base collection.Won’t this result in more competition/longer wait time for popular titles?
Current selection and purchasing criteria is based on availability and customer demand; this will not change with the shared collection.Why are we doing this?
Library users will have more choice due to a richer variety of content, particularly newer and more popular items. The collaboration will help to build relationships between the two organisations, encouraging sharing of ideas and learning for the enhancement of services for all library members.How much is this going to cost?
The costs are within existing budgets.How are you able to provide this service without it costing more?
The new service delivers better value for money through a growth in the user base and in expected collection turnover.Is this a permanent arrangement?
This is a trial partnership lasting for a two-year period, from 1 July 2025. Over that timeframe both Selwyn Libraries and Christchurch City Libraries will conduct regular monitoring of data and usage. Parties will meet twice per annum to review the past period and forward plan. Prior to June 2027, we will review the success of the collaboration.Why aren’t other Canterbury councils included?
If the digital access partnership is successful, other opportunities to collaborate may be considered, such as programming and events, developing shared staff professional development, or expanding the arrangement to include the other Canterbury councils.The Libby app is a one-tap reading app for borrowing eBooks and eAudiobooks from your library. This free app, created by OverDrive, is available for Android, iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch), and Windows 10 devices.
- Install the Libby app from your device’s app store.
- In Libby, follow the prompts to find AWA and choose Christchurch City Libraries to sign in with your library card and PIN/password
- Browse the AWA collection, then borrow a book or audiobook or open a magazine.
- Borrowed titles appear on your Shelf and download to the app automatically so you can read them when you’re offline. Tap Open In Libby or Open Audiobook to start reading or listening in the app.
Happy reading!
Libby Help has more information on navigating the app
Download the Libby app
- iOS devices: Apple App Store
- Android devices: Google Play
- Amazon Fire tablets: Amazon Appstore
For Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks open libbyapp.com
Note: libbyapp.com works best in up-to-date versions of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.On November 13, 2024, OverDrive retired the MP3 audiobook format from OverDrive library websites and ended support for OverDrive's desktop apps for Windows and Mac (which only worked with MP3 audiobooks).
You can listen to audiobooks using the following options:
- In Libby (available for Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire devices or at libbyapp.com in a web browser)
- On your library's OverDrive website using the Listen now in browser option
You can borrow, read and listen to OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks directly from the catalogue.
There is no longer an option to download OverDrive titles from catalogue.
The easiest way to download OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks for offline use is in OverDrive's Libby app on your mobile device.
Download the Libby app
You can still download OverDrive ebooks to your Windows or Mac computer for offline use, or transfer to an eReader in
You'll find titles that aren't offered in our digital collection with Deep Search. Deep Search activates when you run a search and the title is not found in our collection. If there is a title you want to read that Christchurch City Libraries doesn't have, add a Notify Me tag to express your interest in that title. You will be notified if that title gets added to our collection.
Learn more: https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6260.htm
- To activate deep search click the filter button
- Scroll to the bottom and click deep search show the titles that are now available to show
- To add the Notify me tag click the grey card with the bell
- Libby’s minimum iOS version is now iOS 10. To use Libby on an iOS device, users are required to update their device’s operating system to iOS 10 or newer. These are the steps to update your iOS operating system version.
- The legacy OverDrive for Mac desktop app is only supported on macOS versions 10.12.1 through 10.14.
Users on legacy web browsers may experience issues loading libbyapp.com or your OverDrive website and should upgrade to a newer browser version, if possible.
For more information and troubleshooting tips, check out Libby Help and OverDrive Help.
Yes you can now subscribe to magazines in Libby and when a new issue becomes available it will appear on your magazine rack. For more information see Libby Help - Subscribing to Magazines
No. Magazines will not count toward checkout limits.
You can access Library eResources while traveling overseas as long as your library card is active.
Selection criteria for eBooks
Selection is is based on the following criteria.
- General guidelines contained in the libraries’ Content Development Policy.
- Focus is on content, rather than format. We include a mixture of ePub and PDF formats. Currently there is more choice available in ePub format.
- Emphasis is on popular fiction for adults, young adults and children, with the highest percentage being adult;
- We are unable to access as much British or New Zealand content as we would like. We are limited to what is available in Australasia. Each title produced as an eBook is restricted by licensing agreements so many titles available in the US are not available in New Zealand.
- Numbers of copies available to the Australasian market are also limited.
- Some New Zealand authors are available.
- We may purchase some titles electronically which are not held in hard copy.
- In order to offer the widest range of titles in our collection, we purchase only one copy per title. This is reviewed from time to time.
- New titles are added regularly.
- We review what is on offer regularly and buy based on trends, reading patterns and budget available.
Yes, you are welcome to suggest a title you would like to see through our request an item form.
In Libby you can find titles that are not available in the collection and use a "Notify Me" smart tag to express your interest.
If a title you've tagged with your "Notify Me" smart tag is purchased, you'll get a notification and have the option to borrow it or place it on hold right away.
Not all titles are available through our eBook collections, and not all titles that are recommended or tagged with Notify Me will be added.
You have the choice of selecting either 7, 14, 21 or 28 days when borrowing an eBook or eAudiobook, 14 is the default. At the end of this time the file will automatically return itself — there are no overdue fines.
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OverDrive Magazines
AWA is our new shared digital collection with Selwyn Libraries. Christchurch City Customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site are all set. They will see the collection has changed its name to AWA and will enjoy greater choice and access in this shared collection.
If you are signing into the Libby App for the first time follow the prompts to find your library.
A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide you to our AWA collection.
Select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with your Library card and PIN or password
If you are new to our classic OverDrive site click sign in and select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with your Library card and PIN or password
OverDrive (Libby App) Magazines are always available to read and don't count towards your 30 item borrowing limit.
Reading magazines in the Libby App has got a lot easier. Simply find the issue you want and start reading. You can also Keep for 7 Days and Subscribe to be notified when new issues come out. For more information see Libby Help - Reading Magazines
Unfortunately, our OverDrive site and Catalogue/Library account haven't quite caught up. You may notice magazines you've read in the Libby App are showing up as digital checkouts in your library account and your OverDrive account.
- You can ignore these checkouts (They'll expire on their due date)
- You can return them via your OverDrive account
We understand this is confusing and a little frustrating for our customers. OverDrive is considering how it can streamline the magazine reading experience across our different access points and account views.
How can people log into the new service?
The transition will be as seamless as possible for library customers. Our Christchurch City Libraries customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site won’t need to do anything. On the 1 July, our Go Live date, they will see the collection has changed its name to AWA.New Libby customers will follow the prompts to find their library. A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide them to the AWA collection. Then they select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with their Library card. New customers to, or existing customers who've signed out of, our classic OverDrive site will also select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with their Library card.
Why won’t Christchurch residents get the same increase in access to content as Selwyn?
Due to the difference in population size the Selwyn Libraries initial base collection will be less than Christchurch’s initial base collection.Won’t this result in more competition/longer wait time for popular titles?
Current selection and purchasing criteria is based on availability and customer demand; this will not change with the shared collection.Why are we doing this?
Library users will have more choice due to a richer variety of content, particularly newer and more popular items. The collaboration will help to build relationships between the two organisations, encouraging sharing of ideas and learning for the enhancement of services for all library members.How much is this going to cost?
The costs are within existing budgets.How are you able to provide this service without it costing more?
The new service delivers better value for money through a growth in the user base and in expected collection turnover.Is this a permanent arrangement?
This is a trial partnership lasting for a two-year period, from 1 July 2025. Over that timeframe both Selwyn Libraries and Christchurch City Libraries will conduct regular monitoring of data and usage. Parties will meet twice per annum to review the past period and forward plan. Prior to June 2027, we will review the success of the collaboration.Why aren’t other Canterbury councils included?
If the digital access partnership is successful, other opportunities to collaborate may be considered, such as programming and events, developing shared staff professional development, or expanding the arrangement to include the other Canterbury councils.When you borrow a magazine in the Libby app you will get asked if you would like to be notified of new issues.
Just follow the instructions and create your tag.
Once you have your tag every magazine you borrow will ask you if you want to be notified of new issues, all you have to do is tap your tag.
- Browse or search for a magazine.
- Click or tap Latest Issue to open its details.
- Scroll to the bottom past the description to see back issues. If you want to go further back click the down arrow after the last visible back issue.
Yes you can now subscribe to magazines in Libby and when a new issue becomes available it will appear on your magazine rack. For more information see Libby Help - Subscribing to Magazines
No. Magazines will not count toward checkout limits.
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PressReader
PressReader receives newspaper and magazine files from the publishers in an automated process. Sometime the publishers' files are missing certain pages or have other issues. We advise PressReader and they will contact the publisher to see if they can get corrected files to update the published ones.
The PressReader app is asking you for money as you are no longer recognised as a PressReader “hot spot”.
If your app isn't signed in the sign in button will appear at the bottom
Click this and sign in using your library card.
If the sign in isn't an option, it means you are already signed in you can select a newspaper or magazine and you should get a screen to add your library card.
To add you library card click the gold coloured icon
You may have to search for Christchurch City Libraries, then add your library card and password / pin.
Follow this steps and you should now have a refreshed "hotspot" (green cup) and able to use PressReader again.
By creating your own PressReader account by entering your email address and a password you can:
- Bookmark and save articles;
- Add publications to “My publications” by clicking on the heart to the top left of your screen when you are reading a title. This way they are part of the first publications you see when you sign into your account;
- Set up email alerts for topics of interest in the news i.e. Driverless cars;
- Add comments and join discussions, create an opinion about any topic you like, add it to your personal channel and see how many people agree with you;
- Share articles with friends, social networks such as FaceBook or archive articles using apps like Evernote.
Setting up a PressReader account is free and allows you to personalize your PressReader experience. All you need to do is come through our website from our PressReader about page and log in using your library card number and password/PIN. This ensures PressReader knows you are a member of Christchurch City Libraries and allowed to access PressReader for free.
Then create an account using either your-
- home email address and creating a password
- library card (search for Christchurch City Libraries and enter your library card and pin)
You can choose to remain logged in to your PressReader account, but you will still need to come through the library homepage after 48 hours to ensure you are recognised as a customer of Christchurch City Libraries.
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Publications Finder
eDS has guest access which allows non-authenticated users to begin searching without logging in. You can search all resources but if you want to access the full text you will have to log on using your library card and password/PIN
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Wheelers
No.
The Kindle eReader does not support our Library eBook collections.
However the Kindle Fire tablet is compatible with our eBook platforms using an eReader app.
You can access Library eResources while traveling overseas as long as your library card is active.
Selection criteria for eBooks
Selection is is based on the following criteria.
- General guidelines contained in the libraries’ Content Development Policy.
- Focus is on content, rather than format. We include a mixture of ePub and PDF formats. Currently there is more choice available in ePub format.
- Emphasis is on popular fiction for adults, young adults and children, with the highest percentage being adult;
- We are unable to access as much British or New Zealand content as we would like. We are limited to what is available in Australasia. Each title produced as an eBook is restricted by licensing agreements so many titles available in the US are not available in New Zealand.
- Numbers of copies available to the Australasian market are also limited.
- Some New Zealand authors are available.
- We may purchase some titles electronically which are not held in hard copy.
- In order to offer the widest range of titles in our collection, we purchase only one copy per title. This is reviewed from time to time.
- New titles are added regularly.
- We review what is on offer regularly and buy based on trends, reading patterns and budget available.
Yes, you are welcome to suggest a title you would like to see through our request an item form.
In Libby you can find titles that are not available in the collection and use a "Notify Me" smart tag to express your interest.
If a title you've tagged with your "Notify Me" smart tag is purchased, you'll get a notification and have the option to borrow it or place it on hold right away.
Not all titles are available through our eBook collections, and not all titles that are recommended or tagged with Notify Me will be added.
