Tips for using e-books from Indianapolis libraries

• Deb Lambert, chief collection management officer for the Indianapolis Public Library, shared a few tips with us on how to make the most of the library's resources while you wait for that bestseller.

Find a similar title while you wait

• "There are so many titles in our collection that you can find something else to fill the time until the book you're waiting for comes in," Lambert said.
• Look for similar genres or other books by the same author.
• You can filter for "available now" titles in Libby and Overdrive.

Return your e-books and audiobooks as soon as you're done

• It's easy to finish a book and forget to actually "return" it through the app or e-reader you're using. But if you finish early, returning the book as soon as you're done moves the line along for the next person.
• It's the 21st-century version of "be kind, rewind."

Skip the line copies

• The most popular titles have a copy reserved as a "skip the line" copy, which is only available on a first-come, first-serve basis (so it doesn't get added into the hold pool) and can be checked out for just one week at a time.

• This is perfect for quick readers — just keep an eye out for them to pop up in your holds section.

Make use of the "deliver later" feature

• If a book you've been waiting for becomes available but you don't have time for it right now, you can choose to delay its delivery, rather than burning through one of the library's limited e-book checkouts.