Time to Check Our Links!

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With the official (yes, really this time!) sunsetting of the classic Overdrive app at the end of January, the word “Overdrive” is slowly slipping away from our library vocabulary. We anticipate the classic Overdrive website also (eventually) going away, replaced by the already existing Libby website. And since the Overdrive website no longer has MP3 download capability either…well there’s no real advantage to keeping it around. So now’s the perfect time to check our links!

If any of our websites still link out to acla.overdrive.com, go ahead and update to libbyapp.com/library/acla. The Libby website still gives a preview of what’s available including recent curated collections, but it definitely more easily prompts users to log in. It also has the much simpler, “plain English” sign in process which reminds me of TurboTax vs. tax form lingo (“Did you earn money this year?” instead of “Form 1040 box 3, less withholding blah blah…”). Plus the simplicity of the website and similarity to the Libby app itself should help with the transition for those who haven’t yet downloaded Libby on their mobile device. The more things “look” like each other, the more easy it is to take the next step!

– Heather Auman, Western Allegheny Community Library

Continue ReadingTime to Check Our Links!

Marketing Tools from hoopla

Looking for a way to share more library resources? hoopla makes it easy!

hoopla offers an abundance of marketing and outreach resources that make sharing the collections with library users simple. Visit the hoopla Resource Center to find lists of featured collections, digital and printable marketing assets and even suggested post content.

View the Editorial Calendar for tools pertaining to upcoming holidays and themes. Find more general marketing materials in the Marketing & Outreach portion of the site.

Use this chance to schedule some posts highlighting online collections during the holiday season!

Hanukkah for Kids

Don’t forget to check back throughout the year to discover more resources and collections to share!

Wishing you & yours a happy holiday!

– Richelle @ Sewickley Public Library

Continue ReadingMarketing Tools from hoopla

“Overdrive for desktop” app is officially done…

Overdrive is removing the MP3 audiobook format from the OverDrive website on November 13, 2024. At that time, they will also end support for OverDrive’s legacy desktop app for Windows and Mac.

What does this mean for our users? For most, almost nothing! 90% of users are probably already using either the Libby app or Libby website. (If however any library website has links that still visit the old Overdrive website, we greatly encourage you to change to the Libby website instead at libbyapp.com).

But for those few users who still used the legacy website to download MP3 audiobooks to a mobile device (yes, I still have my old iPod shuffle for this purpose!) – they will no longer be able to access this service.

However, this is probably for the best, since the availability of the MP3 download button without access to the legacy Overdrive app meant a TON of confusion on the part of patrons. So, sorry to the few who like me still used the download service, but we had to know it was on its way out anyway!

Overdrive will be adding a message to the classic OverDrive website letting patrons know that this change is happening. After this change, users can listen to audiobooks using the following options:
– Stream on a computer using the “Listen now in browser” format on the OverDrive website
– Stream on a computer using libbyapp.com
– Download for offline listening using Libby on a supported Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire device

For more detailed information, check out this OverDrive Help article.

– Heather Auman, Western Allegheny Community Library

Continue Reading“Overdrive for desktop” app is officially done…

Hallmark+ on hoopla!

I know it’s only September, but Hallmark Christmas movies will be here before you know it. And if you are a fan of those and other Hallmark offerings, be sure to check out the latest Binge Pass from hoopla – Hallmark+.

Hallmark+ is an all-new streaming service that provides unlimited access to exclusive new original series, reality shows, movies, and other feel-good content featuring beloved Hallmark stars. There is a huge selection of Hallmark rom-coms, cozy mysteries, heartfelt dramas, and holiday movies!

From the old (Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman) to the new (Chicken Sisters – Hallmark+ exclusive), there is plenty of series to watch as well as the numerous movies available.

And all of this is available to you and your patrons for only one hoopla borrow. Now that patrons have fewer borrows per month, this Binge Pass means access to more movies and series options to watch.

Tracy – Monroeville Public Library

Continue ReadingHallmark+ on hoopla!