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How to Use Sora: the Student Reading App

Get the basics on how to use Sora & find and borrow eBooks & audiobooks in Berkeley Carroll's OverDrive collection.

What's In Sora?

OverDrive is a digital library where you can borrow eBooks and audiobooks anytime and anywhere. Many schools and public libraries have OverDrive collections but each is different because every library selects the titles they want for their users. The Sora app was designed specifically for students. It's easy to use and one tap gets you inside a book. You can highlight text and take and export your notes. Your librarian can assign titles directly to you. 

All you need to borrow digital content from BC's OverDrive collection is to activate your BC library account in Sora. Go to either the Sora Help help page or the Database Login Info page for login instructions. Contact your librarian if you need help.

Need more help? Check out Getting Started & the Quick Tips below or go to the Sora Help page.

Getting Started: Step-by-step

Step 1: Go to Sora in your browser (Chromebooks & Macbooks) 

Step 2: Select the menu option the applies to you

Step 3: Proceed to sign in

  • 3rd-12th grade & faculty/staff members ►   & select your BC account

  • BC 3s-2nd grade students  Sign in with username & password (ask your librarian for help)

Now you are all set to explore BC's large selection of ebooks and audiobooks in Sora! 

Add the HVLA Library and gain access to over 6,794+ ebooks, 921 audiobooks & 177 magazines!

 

In order to read books on Sora, you can "check them out" virtually. When you select "Borrow" for a book you'd like to read, it goes to your virtual Bookshelf.

When you're finished with a book, you can return it before the due date.

How to return a book:

  1. Go to your Bookshelf by tapping "Shelf" on the bottom toolbar
  2. Tap on the book cover
  3. Select "Return   >"  and then "Return"

 

 

More tips for using Sora - OverDrive

When you open a book you've checked out in Sora, explore "Tips & Secrets" for how to best make use of the platform. There, you'll find information on how to highlight passages to come back to later, use your keyboard rather than your mouse to navigate through the pages of an eBook when reading, and "bookmarking" where you've left off when you want to take a break from reading. You can find the "Tips & Secrets" section by opening an eBook you've borrowed, clicking the "hamburger" menu, and scrolling down.

 

QUICK TIPS

HOW TO FIND ASSIGNED BOOKS

 

Sign-in to your Sora account.

Assigned books are listed on Home tab under "Assignments."

You'll also see assignments on shelf tab> Loans along with the books you borrowed.

Sora allows for multiple ways to discover books. In addition to searching for specific books, authors, or subjects using the Search Bar at the top of the homepage, you can also browse by subjects (scroll down the homepage) or collections. 

The easiest way to find a book you're looking for on Sora is by using the "search bar" at the top of the Sora webpage.

In order to be sure you're only looking for eBooks that are currently available, you can use the "Advanced Search" function and select "Available Books" before you hit "Search."

Ways to use Sora in your teaching practice:

  • Browse BC's collections to see what's new 

  • Browse HVLA's collections which includes magazines

  • Recommend ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines to your students

Collaborate with your librarian to:

  • Request a collection to support independent reading
  • Consider a title assignment for individual students to provide digital access to a class book 
  • Request an audiobook to support an individual student
  • Request books for professional development and reading for pleasure
  • Publish student writing

Sora Dashboard - Loans In Real Time