Overdrive is often regarded as the largest digital distribution partner that powers the public libraries audiobook and ebook collections. The company also deals with school libraries and to a lesser degree law firms. There was recommended collections for these other segments, on the same backend that libraries had access to. This has all changed with the advent of Overdrive … [Read more...] about Overdrive Launches a New Professional Division
Digital Library News
Libraries are experiencing a record number of ebook loans
Libraries in Canada and the United States are experiencing an unprecedented number of audiobook and ebook loans. This is booming business period for all of the digital wholesalers that populate the library with content, such as Hoopla, Overdrive, Midwest Tape and Bibliotheca.Due to the virus pandemic, many physical bookstores are closed and people are turning to the public … [Read more...] about Libraries are experiencing a record number of ebook loans
The first Harry Potter ebook is available for unlimited loans from Overdrive
Overdrive is providing unlimited access to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone audiobook and ebook from public libraries. All library patrons will be able to borrow the title simultaneously, without wait times or holds. This is the first time Overdrive has done this with a major title.Pottermore Publishing is the digital arm of J.K. Rowling and they are the ones that are … [Read more...] about The first Harry Potter ebook is available for unlimited loans from Overdrive
The American Library Association annual conference is cancelled
The American Library Association annual conference was set to occur on June 25th and it has been officially cancelled. This is the first time in 75 years that ALA will not run an expo, the only other time was during World War 2.“We recognize the magnitude of this decision for the association and our membership,” said ALA executive director Tracie D. Hall. “This year, we … [Read more...] about The American Library Association annual conference is cancelled
Here are the new ebook terms from Random House and Macmillan
Penguin Random House and Macmillan have implemented new terms for audiobooks and ebooks to public libraries. Collection managers who want to purchase more content for their branches will be able to receive new discounts from some of the biggest books. Macmillan has abandoned their embargo on all new titles and also ones from TOR. All of the wholesalers who power the digital … [Read more...] about Here are the new ebook terms from Random House and Macmillan
Penguin Random House discounting ebooks and audiobooks to libraries
Penguin Random House knows that many physical library branches are closing and the only way people can access content is digitally. The world's largest publisher has announced that it is discounting audiobooks and ebooks across to the board through all of their wholesale distributors such as Overdrive.Senior vice-president for library sales and digital strategy at PRH Skip … [Read more...] about Penguin Random House discounting ebooks and audiobooks to libraries
Macmillan is no longer embargoing ebooks to public libraries
Macmillan implemented an embargo for ebooks to public libraries for the past four months and they have announced they are abandoning it. Starting this Friday, the costs for ebooks will be reverting to the old Metered Access: Two-year term, where after the first 8 weeks of publication, titles are available without restriction. Each ebook a library wants to purchase will abide by … [Read more...] about Macmillan is no longer embargoing ebooks to public libraries
Thousands of libraries are cancelling events or closing completely
Thousands of libraries all over North America are cancelling events at their branches. Even large libraries such as the Library of Queens and Brooklyn have suspended all events, such as children's reading sessions. This is primarily due to the Coronavirus outbreak, which as prompted the library of Calgary to remove all toys from the library.The three largest libraries in … [Read more...] about Thousands of libraries are cancelling events or closing completely
Macmillan is thinking about scrapping their library embargo
Macmillan is one of the largest publishers in the world and they upset libraries when they announced they were implementing an embargo for ebooks. Instead of giving libraries access to as many copies as they want, Macmillan decided to wait numerous months, because they think libraries are cannibalizing their digital sales. It looks like Macmillan might scrap this system … [Read more...] about Macmillan is thinking about scrapping their library embargo
Overdrive Hold Redelivery is Now Live
Overdrive has just launched a new program called hold redelivery. This allows library patrons who borrow books, ebooks and audiobooks who are on a waiting list to cancel their hold or reschedule their hold for a later time. To support this feature, the auto-checkout setting has been removed from your library’s OverDrive collection.Here is a rundown of all of the new hold … [Read more...] about Overdrive Hold Redelivery is Now Live
Overdrive CEO discloses new information on KKR deal
Overdrive was sold by Rakuten on Christmas Eve to KKR, the same company that owns Recorded Books and their various publishing imprints. In an email to all of their library partners, CEO Steve Potash outlined how this deal will affect their audiobook and ebook business and what libraries can expect in 2020."It was recently announced that New York-based private equity firm … [Read more...] about Overdrive CEO discloses new information on KKR deal
RBMedia continues to shatter records for digital library lending
RBMedia, which is the organization that includes Recorded Books is the global number two player, behind Overdrive. In 2019 the company added 6,500 new audiobooks to the platform and saw an increase of 52% in the number of titles borrowed. The app saw a 28% increase in installs and achieved a review score of 4.7 (out 5) in the Apple App Store. Audiobooks.com users listened to … [Read more...] about RBMedia continues to shatter records for digital library lending
More people visit the library than see movies or sporting events
The public library system is not as sexy as the latest Marvel movie or the NHL All Star Game, but more people visit their local branch than see movies. In 2019 1.3 billion people visited the public library in the United States, whereas 1.2 million went to the theatre. A recent Gallup Poll also found that more people visit the library, than attend all sporting events combined, … [Read more...] about More people visit the library than see movies or sporting events
