No Library Card? No Problem: bring new users in with Libby
For several months, libraries around the United States have been piloting OverDrive’s instant access “Instant Digital Card” feature through our award-winning reading app Libby. By adding this powerful engagement tool to your OverDrive services, you’re providing potential users instant access to a library card and the eBooks and audiobooks in your digital collection. Offering your community instant library cards is as easy as contacting your OverDrive Account Specialist.
Libraries are already seeing great success bringing new readers to the library who wouldn’t have borrowed any content otherwise. San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) alone has brought in thousands of new patrons using this new instant access feature. David Cooksey of SAPL had this to say:
“We knew people were finding our OverDrive items on the internet with no way to instantly access them. We just weren’t sure how many. In just four months, we have had over 2,400 people gain access to our digital library using the Instant Digital Card feature; patrons that would have previously hit a barrier to access. That is 2,400 more people accessing what they want from our digital collection.”
When your library enables the instant access feature, users are presented with the option to get access to your digital collection using their mobile phone number. They see a prompt on the login screen of both your library’s OverDrive-powered website and the Libby app. Your library provides OverDrive with a list of zip codes to define your service area. Users put in their phone number and, if it matches the zip codes in your service area, they’re provided access to your OverDrive digital library. The entire process takes 30 seconds.
Libraries are provided a list of all new users’ mobile numbers, names and addresses that are used to verify each user, and can use this information to reach out and invite them to sign up for a full library card.
Libraries in the U.S. can contact their Account Specialist to add instant access library cards to your service today.
*The Instant Digital Card feature is currently only available in the United States.*
11 Comments
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Browse blog and media articles
Public Library Training
K-12 Library Training
[…] you don’t have a card with your library yet, no problem. Libby has an option for you to sign up for a library card […]
Hello,
My parents are elderly and can’t get out. How do I find out if the digital library card is available for them? I tried to look, but didn’t have much luck. Thank you kindly! Carolyn PS I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED Libby!
Hi there – when you search for a library if they have instant digital card it will pop up right away. If not, that library doesn’t offer it.
I would like more information, cost associated with this program, etc. thanks
Hi Leslie- If you contact your account manager at OverDrive they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help get you started!
How does Libby determine the zip code from a cell phone number?
It uses the phone number to find records that tie the owner of the phone to an address. If there are records that connect the number to an address in your service area, a card is provided.
I am the director at Clinton Public Library in Clinton, IN. I would like to speak with someone about this new instant library card program. I am however out of the office until December 27th. Thanks, Becky
We Will have someone reach out!
Hi Adam, A friend of mine from Germany would be interested in purchasing a library card so she can access all online materials from her country. If this is possible, please let me know.
Thank you! Cristina
Some libraries do let you do this, yes. If you google “buy a library card” you should find options like NYPL, Philly, etc.