Libby App for eBooks Access Via Public Libraries

Libby is an OverDrive app that allows users to access ebooks and audiobooks on mobile devices.  OverDrive is an ebook and audiobook vendor and platform used by many public libraries.  

The UC Davis Library does not offer Libby/Overdrive, but all California residents can get access to Libby and much of its content through California public libraries.

For most public libraries in California:

• any CA resident can receive a free library card/account
• you typically do not need to live in the county where the library resides to have an account
• you can hold library cards for multiple CA public libraries
• many CA public libraries allow county residents to apply for a library card online and start using online resources immediately
• some CA public libraries may require a single in-person visit to establish and/or renew an account
• CA public libraries are typically organized by county

To use Libby via your public library:

• Get a library card for one or more public libraries.  
  • Many CA public libraries (including Yolo County) allow county residents to apply for a library card online and get access to online resources immediately
• Use the links below for more information about how to "Get a Library Card" from your local public library. 
• Follow the instructions for "Libby Access" to sign up and start using the Libby app through your public library.

You can also use this list of public libraries in California to identify other libraries where you would like an account.

Hoopla  

Hoopla is an app that provides access to ebooks and audiobooks as well as film and music.  This app is similar to Libby.  Loans are instantaneous but limited to a certain number a month.  

Note: this resource is not available from all public libraries but California residents can obtain a library account from a library that utilizes Hoopla.

Our Focus As An Academic Library

The focus of our collection development is supporting the teaching, research, patient care needs of UC Davis faculty, researchers, students and staff.  In order to make the best use of available funds, we employ a number of established and evidence-based practices. 

In general, we:

• choose purchase/own options rather than subscribe/rent options when obtaining content
• do not duplicate content in format, or content freely available elsewhere
• purchase ebooks/online access over print
• focus on content that is within scope for our academic library: resources that directly support teaching, research, patient care needs of UC Davis.

UC Davis Library Evaluation of Libby

The UC Davis Library evaluated the Libby/Overdrive platform, mode of  acquisitions, and available content.  We concluded that this platform is not the best use of collection funds. 

Reasons include:  

• because Libby is a subscription product, we are unable to purchase and own titles outright
• there is no perpetual access, titles would be lost if/when the subscription ends
• most Libby content is not within scope for our academic library, content that is within scope we typically purchase directly from publishers in a single purchase DRM-free format
• a substantial portion of Libby Content is freely available to CA residents via public libraries