Feature allows library staff to communicate with readers through notes, recommendations and more within the app

 

CLEVELAND – August 4, 2022 – To help libraries better connect with their community of readers, OverDrive created the shelf talkers feature in the Libby library reading app. This feature provides a new space for each library to showcase their curatorial expertise and knowledge through personal notes to patrons within the Libby app. Shelf talkers in Libby allow librarians to connect with readers by recommending titles, providing interesting facts about a title or author, showing curators’ personalities and adding more library-specific flavor to their Libby collection.

“I love Libby shelf talkers because I get to connect with our digital patrons the same way we connect with patrons in our physical branches,” said Kaitlin Booth, Collection Development Specialist of eMedia and eResources at Cuyahoga County Public Library in Ohio. “I use the feature to make Libby feel hyper-local by featuring staff recommendations, fun topical themes and CCPL branch book clubs or other library events.”

Shelf talkers can be viewed on a title’s details page in Libby and scheduled for future publication to keep them fresh and timely. The following types of shelf talkers are currently available (with plans to add more in the future):

  • Recommendation: Share librarian and staff recommendations.
  • Favorite quote: Highlight a favorite quote from a title.
  • Trivia: Include fun facts about a title or author.
  • Thought: Share timely updates about titles, such as readalikes, an upcoming movie adaptation, the anticipated release date for the next book in a series, or an upcoming book club or author visit at the library.

Learn more about the new shelf talkers feature in the Libby app.

 

About OverDrive

OverDrive is a mission-based company that stands with libraries. Named a Certified B Corp in 2017, OverDrive serves more than 81,000 libraries and schools in 106 countries with the industry’s largest digital catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, video and other content. OverDrive’s commitment to empower every library and school includes expanding access for all, tireless industry advocacy and consistently innovating. Award-winning apps and services include the Libby library reading app, the Sora student reading app, Kanopy, the leading video streaming app for libraries and colleges, and TeachingBooks.net, which offers one of the largest catalogs of supplemental materials that enhance literacy outcomes. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is in Cleveland, Ohio USA. www.overdrive.com

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

###