Libraries can serve more patrons faster with their OverDrive digital collection by designating copies of high-demand, waitlisted titles as immediately available

 

 

CLEVELAND – July 23, 2019 – Public libraries worldwide can now serve their readers faster and keep them coming back by using the “Lucky Day” feature with their OverDrive ebook and audiobook collection. Lucky Day allows libraries to designate digital copies of high-demand, waitlisted titles in their collection as immediately available for patrons. Participating libraries’ patrons can “skip-the-line” and instantly find, borrow and read these titles on a first-come, first-served basis through the Libby app. Libby is the award-winning one-tap reading app from Rakuten OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide.

“Our library is glad to offer a Lucky Day collection to our patrons and address one of their main concerns – long wait times for popular titles,” said Hilary Lewis, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Coordinator of eResources. “Lucky Day is a win for everyone waiting for a book – the person who gets the Lucky Day copy immediately and the people who get moved up on the holds list faster.”

Lucky Day is inspired by the concept of a “browsing collection” on display in library branches featuring select copies of the most in-demand titles – that are normally waitlisted for weeks. This feature is named Lucky Day in OverDrive Marketplace, where libraries manage title selection, but can be renamed and described however the library chooses through curated lists in Libby. Libraries may also optionally set lending policies for Lucky Day titles that are different from the rest of their collection.

Lucky Day titles are seamlessly integrated into the library’s OverDrive-powered site and the Libby app. Within Libby, patrons are guided with helpful icons and text explaining more about these special copies in the library’s collection. Readers can also search using the library’s Available Now filter in Libby to find all available ebooks and audiobooks.

Named one of PCMag’s Best Free Software of 2019 and one of TIME’s Best Apps of 2018, Libby seamlessly connects first-time users and experienced readers with the popular digital collections of libraries. Readers may browse the library’s digital collection, instantly borrow titles and start reading or listening for free with a valid library card.

This service is compatible with all major computers and devices, including iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ and Windows®. With Libby, readers can also “send to Kindle®” devices and apps [US only]. All titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period and there are no late fees. Readers can also download titles onto Libby for offline use.

Public libraries can learn more about the Lucky Day feature here and get started in OverDrive Marketplace.

 

About Rakuten OverDrive

OverDrive is the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide. Named one of PCMag’s Best Free Software of 2019 and one of TIME’s Best Apps of 2018, the award-winning Libby is the “one-tap reading app” for libraries. We are dedicated to “a world enlightened by reading” by delivering the industry’s largest catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and other digital media to a growing network of 43,000 libraries and schools in 76 countries. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA and owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten. www.overdrive.com

Contact:
David Burleigh
Director of Brand Marketing & Communications
dburleigh@overdrive.com

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