Maintaining a robust and diverse digital collection while managing shrinking budgets and expiring licenses is not for the weak.
As libraries increasingly invest in metered licenses for new releases, they are often limited by time or circulation, and their digital collections are quietly eroding. In fact, many libraries are seeing their collections shrink by as much as 10% year over year.
This trend threatens the long-term accessibility of midlist and backlist titles that reflect the full spectrum of community interests.
But Hoopla offers a powerful solution.
With millions of titles available instantly, Hoopla helps libraries reclaim control over their digital collections. Rather than relying solely on costly, short-lived licenses, libraries can use Hoopla to fill out their catalogs with rich, inclusive content that spans genres, cultures, and more than 115 languages, ensuring representation for every patron.
While the sheer volume of titles in the collection may seem overwhelming, Hoopla provides intuitive tools to help libraries curate effectively. Libraries can filter by summaries, AI-generated content (when identified by publishers), language, IDEA tags, and more.
These features empower librarians to tailor their collections to the unique needs of their communities, rather than being limited by publisher-driven priorities.
Focus on the Content
A recent review of a mid-sized library revealed the true impact of Hoopla’s model.
In 2024, the library circulated nearly 35,000 unique titles through Hoopla—compared to fewer than 1,800 titles on Libby. Those 35,000 titles accounted for 95,000 total circulations, with many titles circulating fewer than 10 times.
This is exactly the kind of usage that makes relying on traditional license purchases inefficient. Libraries shouldn’t be spending valuable budget dollars on content that sees minimal use.
Beyond that, with over 40% of OverDrive titles also available on Hoopla Instant, libraries are often paying twice for access—once through metered licenses and again as pay per use content. This redundancy not only wastes money but limits the diversity and depth of the collection.
Trust a Single Solution
We’ve heard the feedback.
Some libraries have stated that Hoopla has become so popular with their communities that it dominates their budget. But we challenge that notion.
By growing library collections year over year and meeting patrons’ content needs, Hoopla becomes not just affordable, but essential. Diverting funds to other digital platforms may seem appealing, but it often results in less control, more unnecessary costs, and fewer choices for patrons.
Discover Patron Engagement
Hoopla also makes discovery easy.
Libraries that add free MARC records to their catalogs help their patrons find Hoopla content—including Hoopla BingePass—faster and more efficiently. These records can include Library of Congress subject classifications and customizable formatting options, features not offered by OverDrive. This increases visibility and accessibility, ensuring patrons can explore the full breadth of the library’s digital offerings.
Join the Movement
In a time when digital collections are at risk of becoming narrower and less representative, Hoopla offers a path forward. It’s not just a platform—it’s a movement; a strategy for sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement. By investing in Hoopla, libraries can ensure their collections grow richer, more diverse, and more aligned with the people they serve.
