Consortium members can reduce waiting lists with access to additional copies of popular download titles

 

Cleveland, OH – June 24, 2009 – OverDrive (www.overdrive.com), the leading global digital distributor of audiobooks, eBooks, music, and video to libraries, announced today a new program for libraries that share catalogs of downloadable media. The OverDrive Advantage plan gives individual libraries that are part of a shared library system the ability to offer their patrons additional popular titles to reduce waiting lists, as well as a custom collection of titles not currently available in the shared collection. This collection, designed specifically for local patrons, will be integrated within the same single download website that patrons already use. OverDrive Advantage libraries will have access to OverDrive’s catalog of 200,000 digital titles, including the largest collection of iPod®-compatible audiobooks for libraries.

“The Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) is a consortium of 47 independent member public libraries. This new service will permit individual members to expand and enhance the digital media titles available to their patrons, while using the same download service they have been successfully using for the last three years,” said Robert Hubsher, Executive Director RCLS (NY). “This new service makes it possible for member libraries to respond to specific community needs and interests by building a local digital media collection while retaining access to the system-wide digital media collection.”

“The OverDrive Advantage plan is a win-win for both the shared systems and the individual libraries because it allows members to further invest in the shared service and attract more patrons to the system’s download website,” said Karen Potash, Collection Development Specialist for OverDrive. “Libraries will quickly and easily be able to add content specifically developed for their patrons, such as foreign language learning content for international school trips or more copies of a digital title for a community-wide reading program.”

OverDrive Advantage libraries will receive their own account in OverDrive’s collection development portal, Content Reserve. The digital collection of titles purchased through this account will be integrated into the existing download website, but only patrons of individual OverDrive Advantage libraries will be able to check out these titles. Libraries will be able to use Content Reserve’s real-time reports to track the success of the custom collection and determine which digital titles are in demand with their patrons.

OverDrive provides download services for more than 9,000 libraries, retailers, and schools worldwide with support for PC, Mac®, and Sony® Reader, as well as the largest collection of iPod®-compatible audiobooks for libraries. To see if your public library is a member of the OverDrive network, visit http://search.overdrive.com. OverDrive also operates the Digital Bookmobile (www.digitalbookmobile.com), a high-tech 18-wheeler traveling North America on behalf of public libraries to raise awareness about free library downloads.

 

About OverDrive
OverDrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video. We deliver secure management, DRM protection, and download fulfillment services for hundreds of publishers and thousands of libraries, schools, and retailers serving millions of end users. OverDrive provides the largest collection of iPod®-compatible audiobooks to libraries worldwide. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, OH. www.overdrive.com

Contact:
David Burleigh
OverDrive, Inc.
216-573-6886 x218
dburleigh@OverDrive.com

 

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