audiobooks

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

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“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

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Reminder: Libby and Hoopla Changes Coming September 1!

What’s happening?

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.

You can also check out the eChanges Drop-In Session Recording, which provides helpful insight and tips for navigating these changes.

How can I prepare my patrons for these changes?

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.

– Derek, South Park Township Library

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