OverDrive Upgrades Its Digital Platform for Libraries

By Dianna Dilworth 

Digital book distribution company OverDrive is updating its Next Generation eBook and audiobook platform for libraries and schools, making it more mobile friendly.

After receiving feedback from the company’s network of 18,000 institutions, the company has added on-demand access across mobile and desktop platforms and an integration with library discovery tools. To date, OverDrive’s network has facilitated more than 100 million digital media checkouts. The platform lets library patrons check out eBooks and other digital media using their own eReader, smartphones, computers and tablets.

The update comes as the American Library Association kicks off its Annual Conference today in California. The ALA reported earlier this week that more than half of public libraries in the U.S. are experiencing flat or decreased operating budgets this fiscal year.