E-Relevant: Overdrive and Libraries

When we think about technology in libraries, a lot of the hand-wringing that takes place by doomsayers in the field revolves around e-Books. They wonder, “Is the library relevant?’ What these people fail to understand is that offering eBook services such as Overdrive is one way that libraries are remaining relevant.

Overdrive supplies eBooks and other products to libraries, for lending to patrons. Their current content offerings include eBooks, Downloadable Audiobooks, Protected Audio Music Downloads (PC Only), and Streaming Videos. They provide the content to patrons via their downloadable app for mobile devices, through a downloadable desktop client, and through browser-based services. Each library system may offer different products to their patrons, and under a set of regulations that best suits their system. A typical set up, as demonstrated by Toledo-Lucas County Public Library in Toledo, Ohio is as follows:

There are no late fees. Items that are due back simply “expire” and go back to the library. Patrons borrow material for up to 21 days (3 weeks) which is in alignment with the borrowing of physical materials. Items may be renewed if there are no holds. If there are holds on an item, a patron may add themselves to the list again, after their lending period is over. With a little bit of practice and guidance from librarians, the customer experience is positive. One thing patrons love is that they can even use Overdrive with library cards from different library systems- at the same time!

Overdrive does have some drawbacks, however. Most notably, when a library purchases an eBook for circulation, they are not purchasing a physical item, but a license, rather, that expires after so many circulations. A physical book that is bought for the collection may circulate 10 times, 25 times, or even 50 times before it is deemed unusable and needs replaced. Not so with eBooks that require the book to be re-purchased after about 25 circulations.

Librarians, Overdrive, and Library Advocate Groups like OLC (Ohio Library Council), are continuing the discussion with lawmakers and publishers over what constitutes fair use, so that everyone can enjoy eBooks easily and at a fair price not just today, but for many days to come.