Hoopla Changes FAQs
Why is Hershey Public Library discontinuing Hoopla?
Although it is free for patrons to use, the Hershey Public Library pays a fee for every item a patron checks out. So, the more Hoopla gets used, the more it costs the library. Each time a patron borrows a title (even if they don’t use it), the library pays a fee ranging from $1.99 to $3.99. As more people discover and use Hoopla, the more it costs to use. In an attempt to control the amount the library spends on Hoopla, the number of titles our patrons can check out were changed from 5 to 3 in August 2022 and a monthly/daily spending limit was set. Unfortunately, the spending limit resulted in many people being blocked from borrowing items. Instead, we are focusing on using Libby to provide eBooks and eAudiobooks. This allows the library to more easily control spending and still allows patrons to borrow a variety of digital materials.
I want to save the titles of what I borrowed on Hoopla, can I do that?
If you want to save what you have read/used on Hoopla, you can view your Hoopla borrowing history by going to “My Account” in the upper left of the screen and click on “History.” You can then print this page.
Want to save your favorites? Click on “Favorites” in “My Account” to see the authors or titles you have marked as a Favorite.
Libby doesn’t have what I want.
Suggest a purchase for eBooks or eAudiobooks by filing out this online form. The library will notify you if the title is purchased for Libby’s collection. https://www.hersheylibrary.org/request-a-purchase/
But I have to wait so long on Libby!
The eBooks and eAudiobooks on Libby are licensed by the publishers for use by one borrower at a time. This means that patrons must place holds on a title if someone has the copy checked out, just like with physical books. To reduce wait times, libraries can purchase multiple copies of titles, but library copies of eBooks and eAudiobooks cost much more than what consumers pay. And unlike consumers, libraries often don’t own the copies they purchase; they are licensed for a period of time, so they have to be repurchased every year or two to keep them in the collection.
For example: The hardcover edition of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig costs $13.29 on Amazon and the Kindle edition costs $8.99. If a library purchases a print copy, they pay the hardcover price or they might get a small discount depending on what company they purchase from, but to offer the eBook of The Midnight Library costs libraries $55 for one copy and they must repurchase it after 2 years. The eAudiobook on OverDrive costs $76, but the library doesn’t have to repurchase it.
If you are interested in learning more about eBook and eAudiobook purchasing in libraries and learn about the latest legislation, please see the American Library Association’s website https://www.ala.org/advocacy/e-books.
If you have questions, please contact us by phone (717-533-6555), e-mail (library@derrytownship.org) or visit us in person. We’re happy to help in any way we can.
If you are interested in learning how to use Libby, check out this tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdszNXPCxBA
