The New Realities of Digital Collection Management
Managing a digital collection has become a defining responsibility for modern libraries, one that demands strategic foresight rather than routine oversight. As libraries face rising costs for eBooks and audiobooks, shifting license models, and surging patron demand, the pressure to maintain both depth and diversity in digital collections has never been greater. Yet one of the most effective and often overlooked tools for regaining control is the thoughtful management of borrow limits.
Borrowing policies are more than operational settings; they are strategic levers. Adjusting limits by license type not only helps stabilize spending but also ensures equitable access and sustainable growth. It is a bold move that reflects a deeper truth: digital borrowing isn’t broken, it’s simply misunderstood.
Why It’s Time to Rethink Borrowing Limits
In the physical era, high borrowing limits made sense. Library visits required time and effort, and families could leave with stacks of materials that would keep them engaged until they came back to return those items and borrow new ones. But digital borrowing is instant, frictionless, and always available. Applying legacy limits to this model creates strain, not value.
Today, libraries face surging demand and shrinking collections, with metered licenses becoming more common and usage spiking. Flex limits that allow patrons to tie up 20 to 30 titles at once make it nearly impossible to sustain a diverse collection.
It is time to rethink borrowing limits for a digital-first world. For models like Hoopla’s Flex, patrons can return and borrow instantly, but extremely high limits do not reflect actual behavior. According to a Pew Research Center study, the average American reads 14 books a year, and most adults finish about one book per week. Large limits may not serve most patrons and can quietly drain the library’s digital budget.
A Smarter, Balanced Approach
A smarter strategy pairs generous Instant access with realistic Flex limits. This dual model approach balances demand and sustainability, helping libraries protect their collections while expanding access.
When libraries partner fully with Hoopla, borrowing limits are tailored by license type, Flex and Instant, to reflect each library’s budget, community needs, and digital goals. Thoughtful calibration helps manage costs, expand access, and protect collection integrity.
Leading with Intention and Sustainability
This isn’t about restriction, it’s about vision. By aligning borrowing policies with the realities of digital access, libraries can lead with intention, equity, and sustainability. It is a brave step forward that positions your library not just to adapt to the digital shift, but to thrive within it.
