![]() Each library only has a specific number of digital copies of each title available. The downside to Libby is that some titles may not be available to borrow immediately, especially if a title is popular. This means that if a user has two library cards on a Libby account with 20 borrows allowed on each card, the user can borrow up to 40 titles at one time. For example, some library cards may allow 5 borrows and 10 holds, while others may allow 20 borrows and 20 holds. Each library card allows users a certain amount of “borrows” depending on the library’s license. Libby works by allowing users to borrow up to a certain amount of titles on their library card at one time. Of course, a user may opt to return a title early. Instead, the title is automatically returned once it reaches its due date. Neither app will charge late fees if the user forgets to return a title. Ads and commercials are also absent from both apps.įinally, a title refers to any ebook, audiobook, movie, CD, TV show, etc. In order to utilize both apps, users only need a device, a Wifi connection, and a library card.īoth apps are completely free to use and the content is free since the accounts are held from libraries. Libby by Overdrive, on the other hand, is an ebook/audiobook reader app, which limits readers to borrow only written materials. Hoopla identifies itself as a library media streaming platform. In this case, however, I am willing to take a few sacrifices for the sake of our readers. In addition, I held a Libby account for approximately one year, while I only held a Hoopla account for less than one month.Īdmittedly, I do not normally spend much time perusing ebooks, television shows, movies, or other forms of media unless my schedule allows for it. I made up for this by borrowing and researching a variety of titles and media types. Their direct comments will appear later in the article.įinally, since I am limited to borrowing 15 titles a month on Hoopla through the CLP, these remained the exact number of titles I borrowed for testing. Both volunteers consider themselves to be less familiar with new technology. Therefore, to double-check my notes on user interface and experience, I asked two anonymous volunteers to navigate both apps on different devices. I consider myself to be comfortable with technology and had little trouble navigating both apps on different devices. While I can testify to Hoopla’s streaming on Roku, my coverage may not yield the same results on other devices. Meanwhile, Hoopla’s capacity can extend to ChromeCast, Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire TV. Libby’s capacity can extend further to other devices such as Kindle devices, Amazon Echo, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. In my state of quarantine, I only had access to my Android phone, my laptop, and a TV with Roku. This is because I had a CLP library card from my previous residency and because the CLP has materials available on both Libby and Hoopla. For example, while it is possible to find and obtain library cards online or in person, I chose to utilize my membership with the CLP for testing. While I made my testing as expansive as possible to provide accurate information, there are several limitations to my methods. From left to right: Libby screenshot in dark mode, Hoopla screenshot. Our question today is: is one app better than the other?įigure 1: Two screenshots of each app from a cellular device, each showcasing their current popular ebook titles available to borrow. Yet, after some testing and comparing, there are some notable differences that may surprise users. This is because users can borrow more varieties of materials, and they can even stream television shows and movies from different devices like a smart TV. For some users, Hoopla can feel like a step-up from Libby. Hoopla is very similar to the library reader app Libby by Overdrive, which allows users to borrow ebooks and audiobooks. An app called Hoopla, a platform that allows users to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, music albums, television shows, and movies, is another resource available to stay entertained. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP), for example, has resources online for listening to music from Pittsburgh-based artists ( STACKS) and for learning job-applicable skills ( from LinkedIn). As the world fell into quarantine and users went online, libraries began to push their e-resources available as a means to pass the time.
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