Libby (service)
Libby is a mobile app that supports users in accessing library services. It is a product of OverDrive, Inc.
In March 2023, OverDrive, Inc. announced it would sunset the legacy OverDrive mobile app on May 1, 2023, having already requested that library systems delete references to the legacy app directing public, academic and corporate libraries and its users to its newer Libby app.[1]
Libby mobile app[edit]
The Libby mobile app requests users's library card.[2] With the library card, Libby connects to the user's account at the library and provides support in checking out books.[2] The intent is improved service and ease of accessing the library instead of using the library's own website.[2]
A reviewer for Literary Review of Canada praised Libby's management of reading data, including books read and books in queue for reading.[3] A reviewer for Time called Libby one of the best apps of 2018.[4] Popular Mechanics named Libby as one of the best apps of the 2010s.[5]
According to OverDrive CEO Steve Potash, as of 2023, Libby is used by approximately "90% of public libraries in North America".[6] Free library services of the sort supported by Libby are unusual in a time period when almost all such services come from commercial vendors.[7]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Sarah Perez. "PS Library e-book app OverDrive to shut down on May 1st, readers directed to Libby instead". Tech Crunch.
- ^ a b c Whitney, Lance (July 27, 2022). "How to Borrow and Read Ebooks From Your Local Library". PCMag.
- ^ Wolfe, Jessica Duffin (February 2020). ""Check Out Libby"". Literary Review of Canada.
- ^ Fitzpatrick, Alex; Austin, Patrick Lucas (14 December 2018). "The Best iPhone and Android Apps of 2018". Time.
- ^ Linder, Courtney (27 December 2019). "The 20 Best Apps of the 2010s". Popular Mechanics.
- ^ Tibken, Shara (April 9, 2023). "The Money-Saving Power of Your Library Card". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ Gross, Daniel A. (September 2, 2021). "An App Called Libby and the Surprisingly Big Business of Library E-Books". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on September 2, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2022.