Hi all,
Some news: http://www.readersfirst.org/news/2022/3/3/overdrive-ceo-steve-potash-talks-streaming-video
OverDrive CEO Steve Potash Talks Streaming Video
March 03, 2022
As OverDrive moves away from the OverDrive app to Libby alone, some changes are occurring. Steve Spohn, Executive Director of Ocean State Libraries, had questions about what will happen with the streaming video content currently available in the OverDrive app and not in Libby. He communicated with OverDrive, and Steve Potash replied. Thanks to both Steves for allowing RF to share their Q & A.
Q: Tell us more about the transition from the OverDrive app to the Libby app.
A: We know that Libby offers the easiest, best-in-class experience for users to browse and borrow titles from their digital library. Since we launched Libby in 2017, we've continued to build in new features and functionality and respond to partner and user feedback along the way.
Throughout Libby's development, we've also maintained the OverDrive app because:
1) We would like the change over to Libby to be a positive one, and we are approaching this change slowly and thoughtfully.
2) Libby does not offer the same feature set as the OverDrive app; sometimes intentionally and other times because the app is in ongoing development.
Now that Libby is established in the market, it's time to start simplifying our app universe for our partners and users. The last required feature to build out in Libby before we could take steps to sunset the OverDrive app was screen reader support. The Libby team's main project throughout 2021 has been improving the accessibility of the app, including compatibility with mobile screen readers.
Our long-term goal is to offer Libby as our single patron experience for Public Libraries. Achieving this goal will help eliminate confusion and deliver a simplified app experience and message for our partners and their patrons.
Q: We understand that video content is not available in the Libby app. How can library patrons access OverDrive video content?
A: Patrons can access video content at their OverDrive website. Your Overdrive rep can help if you have questions about access.
Q: It sounds like Kanopy will be OverDrive's new platform for video content?
A. Yes, Kanopy is OverDrive's flagship video app for libraries.
Q: What will happen to the video content libraries have purchased on the OverDrive platform?
A: We are evaluating our current OverDrive video catalog and working with suppliers and Kanopy to offer as much of the popular content as possible.
Q: Will OverDrive bring new purchasing models for video content to the Kanopy platform?
A: Yes, Kanopy will be adding in Subscription bundle options for streaming video content. More information here: https://librarytechnology.org/pr/27022?Row=2
Q: What do you see as the future of streaming video for libraries?
A: We expect that streaming video content will continue to grow as a valuable option for libraries to serve their patrons. Content catalogs will expand with the addition of premium films and videos on the Kanopy platform, with significant focus on education, juvenile materials, global films, and select theatrical movies. The cost models for Kanopy will also evolve to reflect how libraries seek to best utilize their budgets to serve their communities.
OverDrive Marketplace will also add a variety of streaming video collections to the "Libby Extras" catalog that provide simultaneous access to a variety of premium streaming content. Current offerings include Universal Class, Craftsy, ArtistWorks, The Great Courses, Qello Concerts, and many others.
Q: What else is on the horizon for OverDrive that you'd like to share with us?
A: See us at PLA for the latest.
Michael Blackwell
Director, St Mary's County Library
23630 Hayden Farm Lane
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-2151 x5013
Cell phone: 301-904-3048
mblackwell@stmalib.org
