Answered By Library Staff
Last Updated: May 21, 2024     Views: 140

That depends! Different vendors have different terminology and methods to show an item is in "use." While all of our ebooks and audiobooks can be read in a browser without downloading, including our Libby (by Overdrive) books, if you have not downloaded or "checked out" an item, there may not be a need to return it (you might just be able to close out your browser window). For example, here is a Libby audiobook, being listened to within a browser (not downloaded) that is "checked out" but can be returned early: 

In contrast, Ebsco ebooks, allow you to read in your browser without checking out or downloading. In that case, you can just close out of the window to stop your use of the item:

If you have "checked out" a ebook or audiobook or downloaded one and would like to "return" it early, before your use expires to make it available for other library users, you can look for a return feature. For Libby, it is near the "Renew Loan" option: Click into the title and select the 3 dots, then "Return Early" within the popup that appears: