Libby Update Tightens eBook hold Times, Frustrating Readers
New York, NY - September 19, 2024 – A recent update to the popular Libby reading app is making it harder for library patrons to extend checkout periods for eBooks, leading to increased wait times and frustration as demand for digital books continues to surge. The change, rolled out this week, impacts how the app handles automatic renewals, potentially accelerating the availability of titles but also disrupting reading plans for users accustomed to longer access.
The update centers on Libby’s handling of “hold queues,” the virtual waiting lists for eBooks that are currently checked out. Previously, Libby automatically renewed eBooks up to seven days before their due date if no one was waiting for the title. The new system substantially restricts automatic renewals, prioritizing holds even if a current reader hasn’t finished the book.This shift affects millions of library users nationwide who rely on Libby, developed by OverDrive, to access digital content. Library systems are reporting a spike in inquiries from patrons confused by the altered renewal process.
OverDrive introduced libby in 2017 as a user-kind alternative to it’s older app, offering a streamlined experience for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks from public libraries. The app’s popularity has grown exponentially, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, as library branches faced closures and digital lending became essential.
The core issue stems from the increasing imbalance between eBook demand and library licensing agreements. Publishers frequently enough limit the number of simultaneous users for a given title, creating artificial scarcity. While the update aims to improve circulation and reduce hold times it does so at the expense of individual reader convenience.
“We understand this change may be disruptive for some users,” OverDrive stated in a support document released September 18, 2024. “Our goal is to ensure equitable access to digital content for all library patrons.” the company recommends users actively manage their checkouts and place holds on titles they anticipate wanting to read in the future. Libraries are now tasked with communicating these changes to their communities and addressing concerns about the new system.
