Library Technology Guides

OverDrive and EBSCO Information Services Announce New Integration to Enhance Discovery of Digital Resources in Academic Libraries. OverDrive and EBSCO Information Services announced a new integration that connects OverDrive's ebooks and audiobooks on Libby directly to the EBSCO Knowledge Base and EBSCO Discovery Service. This collaboration delivers on-going synchronization of digital library holdings within institutions' Integrated Library Systems, streamlining workflows for librarians, and enhancing discovery for students and faculty.Through this partnership, mutual customers can now discover Libby content directly within their existing EBSCO environments. The integration simplifies management of digital collections by allowing librarians to select OverDrive collections from the EBSCO Knowledge Base and automatically populate them into their catalogs. Students and faculty can discover ebooks and audiobooks alongside other library resources and seamlessly link to Libby to borrow content. [Full Announcement].

LitRPG sensation Dungeon Crawler Carl now available to libraries exclusively on Libby. Libby, the award-winning library reading app, and bestselling author Matt Dinniman announced an exclusive digital distribution agreement bringing the wildly popular “Dungeon Crawler Carl” series to libraries worldwide. Under the agreement, Libby is the sole provider of the English-language ebooks to libraries, expanding access for library users while strengthening Libby's growing catalog of genre-defining titles. [Full Announcement].

Clarivate and OverDrive partner to expand library discovery and reporting. Last year, Clarivate announced a strategic partnership with OverDrive that leverages each company's technologies to improve how readers and library staff interact with the library catalog anytime and anywhere across print and digital formats. Through its partnership with OverDrive, libraries will extend discovery beyond traditional boundaries. We have created a unified, on-the-go experience that keeps users connected to their library wherever they are. Patrons using the Libby app can seamlessly explore not only eBooks and audiobooks, but also their library's full print catalog when their library uses Innovative solutions. If a desired digital title isn't currently available, patrons can easily search for a print copy at their local library branch. This feature turns digital browsing into real-world engagement, driving more visits back to the library and increasing circulation across all formats. [Full Announcement].

Kanopy partners with NASA to bring out-of-this-world content to digital library platforms. Kanopy, the leading platform for libraries and educational institutions, announced today an expanded collection of space exploration content across its platform. Through a collaboration with NASA, Kanopy is bringing users access to NASA+, NASA's official home for documentaries, educational series, and exclusive content, free through the All Access NASA+ collection. As part of this partnership, Kanopy is thrilled to offer streaming access to NASA+'s new episodic series, Moonbound, which documents the Artemis II test flight, the next step in NASA's ambitious plans to return humans to the Moon. The series takes viewers behind the scenes of the mission, from preparation to crew insights, with two episodes already available on Kanopy. [Full Announcement].

Libby names the winners of the 2026 Libby Book awards. Libby, the leading library reading app, unveils the winners of the third annual Libby Book Awards, recognizing the best books, audiobooks and digital experiences of the year. Selected by expert librarians from across North America, this year's winners highlight standout works that captured the hearts of readers, featuring both debut authors and beloved names in the literary world. [Full Announcement].

OverDrive names Marc DeBevoise President, expanding support for libraries and schools. As OverDrive moves into its next chapter, the company announced that Marc DeBevoise has been named President and appointed to the Board of Directors.  DeBevoise will guide OverDrive's continued investment in tools, partnerships, and product innovation that support educators, librarians, and learners.  DeBevoise has led teams that built widely used digital experiences at Brightcove, Paramount, and CBS Interactive [Full Announcement].

Libby reveals finalists for the Third Annual Libby Book Awards. Libby, the renowned library reading app, has announced the finalists for the third annual Libby Book Awards, recognizing the best books of 2025 according to expert librarians. The awards celebrate literary excellence across 20 categories, representing a diverse range of genres. The finalists were nominated by a panel of librarians, and they will now select the winners from across North America. [Full Announcement].

Libby and Kanopy 2025 survey reveals a new era of undergraduate learning: students move beyond traditional text in favor of multimodal, active Education. Libby and Kanopy recently released the results of its 2025 Higher Education Survey. The findings reveal a significant shift in student expectations, with nearly three-quarters of undergraduates identifying as visual or kinesthetic learners and 90% demanding course materials that reflect a diverse range of voices and experiences. [Full Announcement].

Libraries Break Digital Lending Records in 2025 with Over 820 Million Checkouts and Over 1 Billion Minutes Streamed. In 2025, libraries around the world continued to prove their essential role in connecting communities with stories, information, and entertainment, breaking new digital lending records in the process. As the need for flexible, on-demand access to books and media continued to grow, libraries expanded their digital collections to meet readers where they are, delivering record usage across ebooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, and streaming video.Using the Libby and Sora apps, readers borrowed more than 820 million digital titles worldwide in 2025, marking a 10.9% year-over-year increase and reflecting sustained engagement across public libraries, schools, and institutions. At the same time, academic and public libraries offering streaming video through Kanopy reached new heights, with 29.9 million plays and over 1 billion minutes streamed, reinforcing libraries' expanding role in digital learning and entertainment. [Full Announcement].

Follett Content and Sora Student Reading App announce landmark partnership. Follett Content, a leading children's and young adult book provider, and Sora, the award-winning student reading app by OverDrive, today announced a sales collaboration that unites two trusted leaders in PreK-12 reading and learning. The partnership will provide an improved experience for readers by delivering digital content to students via the Sora app. [Full Announcement].

Discover The Village Beyond the Mist in the new Libby and Sora Reads Global Book Club. Book lovers everywhere are invited to take part in the first-ever Libby Reads and Sora Reads digital book clubs, celebrating the power of stories to connect readers around the world. From November 18–December 2, readers can borrow “The Village Beyond the Mist” by Sachiko Kashiwaba in ebook and audiobook formats through their local public library in the Libby app or through participating Sora school libraries, with no waitlists or holds. [Full Announcement].

Libby expands global reach with PocketBook integration. OverDrive announced a new integration between Libby, the library reading app, and PocketBook, a global leader in e-reading innovation. This partnership will make it easier than ever for readers to enjoy ebooks and audiobooks borrowed from their local libraries directly on PocketBook devices. PocketBook users will now be able to log in with their library card, borrow titles through the PocketBook x Libby app, and seamlessly read or listen on their e-reader. Titles can also be sampled before borrowing. Ebooks can be downloaded for offline reading within the borrowing period. Other formats, including audiobooks, are streamed or accessed through the browser. [Full Announcement].

Navigating transition: FAQs for Academic Libraries inquiring to move their holdings to Libby after Baker & Taylor's exit. With Baker & Taylor's recent announcement that they will cease operations by the end of 2025, academic libraries are looking for an immediate option to fill the void created by B&T's pending closure. Primarily needing to find a resource to host their digital collections as well as a supplier to meet their campus needs is paramount. Many institutions have already begun reaching out to OverDrive, seeking a reliable, long-term solution to serve their departments, faculty, and students. [Full Announcement].

Libby and Read with Jenna team up to bring book club favorites to library cardholders. Libby, the library reading app, announced a new partnership with Read with Jenna, the popular book club founded by TODAY Show co-host Jenna Bush Hager. Beginning this September, readers will be able to easily read and listen to Jenna's monthly book club picks for free with their library card through Libby. [Full Announcement].

Tyler Childers promotes literacy and libraries with Hickman Holler Reading Club. Country singer-songwriter Tyler Childers announced the launch of the Hickman Hollar Reading Club. Through a partnership with Libby, the library reading app, the reading club provides library patrons nationwide with monthly book recommendations from Tyler. As an avid reader himself, the book titles selected for the Hickman Holler Reading Club are a curated selection of Tyler's personal favorites. [Full Announcement].

Tyler Childers promotes literacy and libraries with Hickman Holler Reading Club. Country singer-songwriter Tyler Childers announced the launch of the Hickman Hollar Reading Club. Through a partnership with Libby, the library reading app, the reading club provides library patrons nationwide with monthly book recommendations from Tyler. As an avid reader himself, the book titles selected for the Hickman Holler Reading Club are a curated selection of Tyler's personal favorites. [Full Announcement].

Libby's new discovery tool helps patrons explore their library's digital collection. OverDrive announced the launch of Inspire Me, a new search and discovery experience that supports book discovery within a user's local library collection. Inspire Me adds a fun and engaging option for readers to discover a list of personalized recommendations from the virtual bookshelves of their local library's digital collection. [Full Announcement].

OverDrive and Clarivate to preview roadmap of deep integration for Libby, Kanopy, and Sora with Vega Discover. As libraries navigate ongoing budget and staff challenges, OverDrive and Innovative, part of Clarivate, will preview a joint strategy for library leaders at the ALA Annual Conference (June 26 – 30, Booth #1629). The goal of these new developments will leverage each company's market leading technologies and solutions for how readers and library staff interact with the library's vast catalog of materials, both in print and digital formats. These future innovations are expected to strengthen libraries' programming, optimize use of physical spaces and resources, and increase the overall value of library services for their communities. [Full Announcement].

Jason Reynolds and Julia Whelan to headline Keynotes at Digipalooza 2025. OverDrive announced two inspiring keynote presentations at Digipalooza 2025 (August 12-14, 2025), the must-attend conference for library professionals, industry experts, and thought leaders dedicated to digital media and the future of library services. This summer, attendees will hear from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds and multi-talented writer, narrator, and actress, Julia Whelan during live, interactive sessions designed to enrich the library community's approach to engagement and digital content. [Full Announcement].

OverDrive expands leadership team with education advocate and EdTech leader. OverDrive, the world's leading digital content provider for libraries and schools, announced the appointment of Renee Davenport as its first Vice President of Education. Davenport will lead OverDrive's strategy to expand digital access in schools, deepen engagement with educators, and support literacy and learning outcomes for all students through Sora, OverDrive's award-winning student reading app. [Full Announcement].