According to new data from digital content distributor OverDrive, schools are adopting digital books and textbooks at a faster than ever rate. This data, compiled in part from its 6,500 public school library partners, shows that more students than ever before are using smartphones, tablets, and ereaders in the academic environment, with a 252% increase in October in school library visits to the lending website from the same time a year ago. Visits per day increased by 244% for that same time frame.
“School digital library websites powered by OverDrive have shown substantial growth in interaction since the rollout of functionality and design enhancements began in August. A steady rise in page views, visits, new visitors, visitors per day and time spent on the websites highlights the effectiveness of the new features and layout.”
Part of the reason for the dramatic increase in OverDrive-powered usage is the wider reach of devices in schools, either through funding for technology or the increasingly popular Bring Your Own Device initiative. The greater understanding among educators and administrators in the best practices for using digital books in the classroom has also contributed to the further utilizing of the platform.
OverDrive recently announced a more streamlined experience for educators which lets them view vital data on the books themselves, such as Accelerated Reader information and leveled reader scores. At the same time, the company incorporated better search features that let students recommend specific titles from the OverDrive catalog for their school libraries to make available.
Mercy Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.