Going Mobile: Adjusting to Modern Library Needs

Sponsored by OverDrive

Recorded on 06/17/2020
Posted in The Authority File

Episode 135

As the publishing industry embraced digital reading options, audiobook and ebook reading app choices exploded to accommodate the modern, mobile patron. But how do you make an app that appeals to both public and academic library end-users? Accessibility is a safe place to start.

OverDrive has marketed its Libby app as a “one-tap reading app” that’s streamlined, user-friendly, and most importantly, accessible. Jill Grunenwald, Communications Specialist at OverDrive, explains why the app’s customizable features—font size, lightness, and typeface, e.g. OpenDyslexic—make it ideal for students. “It’s easy for people to log in and then once they’re in, they can make whatever changes they need to to be able to maximize the app for their own personal needs.”

In this third episode, Grunenwald dives into how libraries have marketed Libby to students, and the usage data and metrics the app provides to the admin. She also acknowledges a top concern from librarians: “Having worked with public libraries for so long we are well aware that there are concerns about privacy. We are very sensitive to that, and the system is built to maintain that.”


About the guest:

Jill Grunenwald
Communications Specialist
OverDrive