Updates to Hold Suspensions in Libby & Marketplace

OverDrive is making updates to how hold suspensions work across our platforms and library websites. After reviewing hold data and feedback from partners, these changes are designed to streamline the movement of holds and reduce the amount of time unwanted holds sit unclaimed. Or, as we like to call it, a win-win-win situation for all involved!

Why we’re making this change

• Fairer access for everyone: Readers will be encouraged to be more intentional about when they want to receive their holds.

• Improved efficiency: Holds will move through queues faster, freeing up copies for users who are ready to read.

• Cleaner holds system: Fewer unclaimed or unwanted holds will linger, keeping wait lists more accurate.

What’s changing

• No more end dates: Instead of setting a suspension period, users will now simply choose Suspend.

• Manual unsuspension: When ready to receive a hold, users will select Unsuspend (users on library websites will see Remove Suspension).

• Missed holds: Before, if a hold delivery was missed, it automatically unsuspended after 7 days. Now, if a user misses their first hold delivery, it will be suspended until they unsuspend it.

• Automatic cancellation: Holds suspended for 365 days in a row will be automatically canceled.

How this impacts wait time calculations

To ensure accuracy in the wait times displayed in Libby and OverDrive Marketplace:

• For readers: Suspended holds will be excluded from estimated wait time calculations.

• For Marketplace users: The current average wait period formula in the Current Holds report has been updated to better reflect users’ actual wait times. The updated formula changes are as follows:

  • Excludes holds on weeded titles.  

• • Uses the date a hold was most recently unsuspended, instead of the original hold date, when factoring in previously suspended holds.  

• • Defines an “active user” as someone who has checked out a title or placed a hold in the last 90 days, instead of only considering checkouts in that timeframe.  

• • Uses a preorder’s street date, instead of the original hold date, when factoring in preorders that have reached their street date.  

These changes are now live in the Libby App! Please see these hold suspension FAQs or the help article for the “Current holds” report for more information. If you have any other questions about this change, please reach out to your Account Manager for help.