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.
OverDrive is well-positioned to support academic libraries through this transition. With a proven track record of advocacy for libraries, prioritizing accessibility, and the largest catalog of digital resources available with 5.5+ million titles, OverDrive's commitment to the academic market is stronger than ever. The 2021 acquisition of Kanopy and upcoming investments in academic services—set to roll out in 2026—underscore this dedication.
Transitioning to OverDrive and Libby: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Evaluate Your Current Needs
Begin by assessing your institution's current usage patterns and content requirements. This will help you determine how OverDrive's offerings can best meet your needs. - Explore OverDrive's Academic Solutions
Schedule a demo with OverDrive representatives to review platform features, pricing, and licensing models (e.g., one copy/one user, subscription, cost per circ). Dive into the academic collection available through the Libby app and OverDrive Marketplace. - Understand the Transfer Process
Once a contract is in place, OverDrive will guide you through the workflow for transferring existing holdings. This includes metadata requirements, timing, and integration with your systems. - Finalize Contracts and Technical Setup
Sign your OverDrive agreement and begin onboarding. Set up authentication protocols such as EZproxy or SSO to ensure seamless access for users. - Purchase and Prepare Content
Identify titles for purchase or migration. Collaborate with your dedicated OverDrive team to provide necessary metadata and establish a timeline for content migration. Review MARC record options and organize your collection for optimal discovery. - Train Staff and Promote to Users
Equip your librarians with training on OverDrive's admin tools and collection management. Use OverDrive's free promotional resources to raise awareness among students and faculty. Consider hosting workshops or webinars to introduce users to Libby and the academic content available.
Looking Ahead
OverDrive is committed to being a long-term partner for academic libraries. As the industry adapts to Baker & Taylor's departure, OverDrive offers a stable, innovative platform to continue delivering high-quality digital content to your academic community.
If you're ready to begin the transition or want to learn more, reach out to OverDrive today to start the conversation.