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
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
The Libby and Hoopla changes are going into effect Sunday, September 1, 2024 for all Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County libraries. To recap, the following changes will take place:
Reduce Libby holds from 20 to 10 at a time
Reduce Libby borrows from 20 to 10 at a time
Reduce hoopla borrows from 15 to 5 per month
Require PIN authentication to the Libby sign-in process
Is there an in-depth explanation available for me to read or listen to?
A comprehensive explanation of these changes and the rationale behind these decisions can be found here.
We have a FAQ document for Staff to inform and equip you to address this topic when connecting with colleagues and patrons.
In addition to being prepared to discuss these changes, you can provide your patrons with the handy eChanges Public Brochure and eTips updated informational handouts.
An extra tip: when you create or update library cards for patrons moving forward, make sure you mention the importance of adding a PIN. It allows them to access eResources and secures their account.
eReaders are one of the many innovations that have helped libraries lurch into the 21st century (along with Libraries of Things, tool lending libraries, etc). They have enhanced the digital library experience since their inception, and the landscape has drastically changed over the years. Some devices try to do it all, but those that focus on just being a reader really shine – amazing quality of life changes like being waterproof, built-in dictionaries, highlighting, dogears, and others I am sure I’m not even aware of.
The best and broadest point you can take away from this article is all the eReaders I talk about are compatible with Overdrive (Libby). I have even more detail below on the big names in the game, and what they mean for public libraries.
Made with Copilot Designer (AI)… obviously. I mean, eReaders larger than buildings? At a floating business meeting? Where are those planes going? Is this in the middle of a meteor shower?
Love them or hate them, Kindles appear to be here to stay. Once Overdrive was integrated, the Kindle became the cream of the crop as they are more responsive and faster than competitors. Though accessing titles from Libby is a bit of a process we are all familiar with at this point, Kindles remain accessible at only $99 (and often go on sale, especially around Black Friday) and easy on the eyes with the E Ink screen. There is also a Kid’s edition, though I’m personally unfamiliar.
Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, Kobo has been sitting pretty in the #2 spot for some time. I just picked up a Kobo Clara BW for myself (because I cannot help being a book hipster), and I have been loving it. I do lament the absence of page up/down buttons, but I’ve swiftly gotten over that. Additionally, the seamless integration with Overdrive (you can borrow directly from your device!) is a huge bonus. It has many of the same features as Kindles – its own ebook store, adjustable brightness, highlighting, dictionaries, and the easy-on-the-eyes E Ink screen. These are often on sale ($20 off a Kobo Clara BW actually right now!), so if you can be patient just keep an eye out.
The iPad can do it all, especially if you cell phone is an Apple product. The iPad is as powerful as some computers, and it can be your one-stop shop for streaming, reading, texting, drawing, what-have-you. With versatility and power comes cost, though Some may gawk at the price, and rightfully so, but there are many different models at different price points (including older, refurbished models), as well as payment plans. If you are looking for more than an eReader, the iPad may be your best bet.
The one concern that consistently pops up with iPads is eye strain. LCD/LED screens cause eye strain, no ifs, ands, or buts, especially at night. E Ink is generally touted as the safer alternative, especially since it can be used with no/minimal backlight. No broad consensus exists on this, but please be aware if you already use screens a lot at work or in your personal life!
A relative newcomer, Onyx is another E Ink device *but smaller.* About the size of an iPhone 15 Max, it can fit in your pocket and in your palm comfortably. The biggest draw of an Onyx is it runs on Android (though it is Android 11, an already outdated version of the system). You can install any app from the Play Store, including the Kindle app, Libby, and even Hoopla (a big drawback of Kobo and Amazon—no Hoopla titles!). Though, as we learned with the iPad, with more versatility comes more cost.
Made with Copilot Designer.
And so, there you have it. Other eReaders are out there, like the B&N Nook which miraculously still exists in this diverse and competitive market. If you have any personal favorite makes or models or advice on their use, please let me know! Email me at: smithc2@einetwork.net.
Cheers,
Cameron R.S. Smith | Cooper-Siegel Community Library
