Few things are more frustrating for patrons than searching for a title in their library’s catalog and coming up empty-handed. When this happens, many patrons head straight to a retailer to purchase the title, unaware that it’s likely available in their library’s digital collection through Hoopla.

Without a fully integrated catalog that combines Hoopla’s digital content with the library’s content, these digital resources are essentially invisible to patrons. It’s like grocery shopping without checking your fridge first — you spend money on something you already have, simply because you didn’t realize it was there.

That’s why Hoopla partners with catalog vendors. Our most recent integration with SOLUS and its Library App helps public libraries unify their physical and digital collections, enabling easier management and giving patrons access to all content in one convenient place. 

What the Hoopla-SOLUS Partnership Means for Your Library

When searching for content, library patrons often focus solely on the library’s catalog, missing out on the broader range of content available to them. This means your Hoopla content might go unnoticed — impacting patron retention and limiting the value you get from the Hoopla platform. 

With public library patrons increasingly seeking digital content, ensuring visibility of that content is more important than ever. The Hoopla-SOLUS partnership supports this by seamlessly integrating digital and physical collections into a single, easy-to-use app. 

Here’s what this could mean for your library.

A Unified Experience for Patrons

  • When patrons search for a title, they’re likely more focused on finding the story they want than whether it’s an eBook, audiobook or a physical copy. Integrating Hoopla into your catalog creates a seamless, one-stop search experience that makes it easier for patrons to find and access the titles they want, often in multiple formats.  This streamlined access helps boost satisfaction and reduces the likelihood of patrons turning to external platforms or retailers when they can’t find a title in your collection. And with SOLUS-built library apps in use in more than 8,000 locations, the integration ensures a seamless experience that patrons already trust. 

Increased Visibility and Discoverability

  • With library budgets focused on high-demand bestsellers, there’s often little room for niche or underrepresented works. Yet every community is made up of individuals with unique tastes and interests. Hoopla expands your reach with access to more than 1.5 million instantly-available and diverse titles, including a rich selection of manga, TV series, movies and music from emerging artists waiting to be discovered. When this content coexists in your catalog, it becomes part of each patron’s borrowing journey — introducing them to titles they may not have discovered otherwise. 

Cost Savings Through Smarter Acquisitions

  • When patrons request a title that isn’t in your catalog, your instinct might be to purchase it. But what if it’s already available digitally through Hoopla? A single-pane view of your digital and physical collections makes it easier for you and your patrons to quickly determine whether or not your library has a title. This enables you to avoid unnecessary purchases and make more informed budget decisions. By reducing duplicate purchases and fully leveraging Hoopla’s digital collection, you can stretch your budget further and offer patrons a wider range of content. 

A Future-proofed Library Experience

  • Hoopla’s partnership with SOLUS is a critical step toward modernizing libraries for today’s mobile-first patrons. People expect instant access to digital content, and this partnership empowers patrons to carry their entire libraries in their pockets. With the SOLUS Library App, you can customize the experience, prioritizing the content and services that matter most to your community. This flexibility allows you to meet patrons where they are and align with their diverse preferences and expectations, helping your library stay relevant.

Redefining Library Access for the Digital Age

Our partnership with SOLUS represents more than just a technical integration — it reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the library experience. Together, we’re aiming to make it easier for patrons to discover and access the full breadth and depth of their library’s offerings, all in one seamless platform. 

By collaborating with vendors, customers and partners like SOLUS, Hoopla is dedicated to equipping libraries with the tools they need to effectively manage their collections and deliver an intuitive experience for every patron. As a result, your library can remain at the forefront of accessibility and engagement in the increasingly digital world.