Burned by OverDrive (Again)

Ugh, OverDrive why do I believe you? I was bamboozled in 2010, but I figured after three years, things have to be better. Nope.

OverDrive announced the launch of Disney Digital books. The Hawaii State Public Library System has advertised this new addition with this orange graphic appearing throughout their web site.

Clicking on the graphic on a computer works as expected. Now, try it on a mobile device like an iPad. Well you say, if OverDrive is involved then you need the OverDrive app. Okay, fine. I installed it and also authorized book downloads with an Adobe account. I selected the Hawaii State Public Library System as a library in OverDrive. I used my library card ID to log in. Clicking on the Disney Digital Book graphic, I’m welcomed with this message:

We’re sorry, but we are unable to display the page requested.

What?! Why? I called the Hawaii library and engaged them on Facebook and learned why. These books are in a proprietary Disney Online book format, not ePub or Mobi, and seemingly, this format requires Adobe Flash. And yes, Adobe Flash and Apple iOS devices don’t get along.

Okay, okay so maybe it’s not OverDrive’s fault and more Disney’s oversight using a non-standard eBook format. But still, my expectations are disappointed.