Digital content has transformed the way patrons engage with their local libraries, but the availability of content remains a challenge. According to new data from hoopla, 64% of patrons report that the digital content they want is unavailable half the time or more.

However, there’s a silver lining. The same research — a survey of 1,000 U.S. library cardholders who have used a digital library service in the past year — shows that patrons are open to exploring alternatives. A quarter of respondents opt for a different title if the one they’re looking for is unavailable, highlighting an opportunity for libraries to curate collections that balance depth, breadth, and accessibility of content.

You can achieve this balance and better meet patron expectations by focusing on the following key areas.

  1. Analyze patron borrowing data. Patron borrowing data is a goldmine for understanding their preferences. By analyzing trends in borrowing habits, you can identify titles, genres, and formats your patrons seek most often. If a popular series like “Harry Potter” frequently tops your list of most-borrowed titles, consider adding similar fantasy series to your collection to keep patrons engaged when their first choice isn’t available. Borrowing data can also uncover patterns, e.g., titles that appeal to readers with similar interests. You can use these insights to make informed recommendations and offer alternatives when high-demand titles are unavailable. Aligning your purchasing decisions with actual borrowing habits allows you to curate smarter collections that reflect your patrons’ preferences.
  2. Strike a balance between new and backlist titles. While bestsellers and blockbuster hits often steal the spotlight, a truly dynamic library collection goes beyond new releases. Incorporate lesser-known works and backlist titles into your collection to cater to a wider variety of interests and encourage discovery. For instance, a patron planning their next trip might start by searching for destination guides, only to stumble across a historical fiction eBook set in the same location. This discovery introduces the patron to a new author while deepening their understanding of the destination’s culture and history. Beyond diversifying titles, it’s smart to offer a variety of formats (e.g., eBooks, audiobooks, comics or movies and TV) to ensure your collection accommodates different preferences, habits, and learning styles.
  3. Make readily available content a priority. While offering a diverse collection is critical, it’s just as important to ensure content is available when patrons need it. Access constraints are a common frustration for library patrons, with 37% hitting their borrow limit and 29% hitting their hold limit in the past 12 months. In today’s on-demand world, people expect instant access to the content they want. With hoopla’s pay-per-use (PPU) model, you can offer a curated collection of digital titles that are always available — without waitlists or holds. Unlike traditional borrowing models for physical and digital content, where popular titles quickly become unavailable, leading to long holds and wait times – hoopla’s PPU model allows patrons to borrow titles instantly. This ensures patrons can borrow what they want, when they want. hoopla’s PPU model also helps you manage your budget more effectively by only paying for titles that are borrowed.

Curating Content that Resonates

The digital shift in libraries isn’t just about providing more content — it’s about providing the right content. And what works for one library may look entirely different for another. It’s all about understanding what your patrons want and tailoring your collection to what they value most.

By tapping into borrowing data, you can prioritize high-demand titles while still encouraging discovery through curated multi-media content collections. This balanced approach ensures that every dollar in your budget drives impact, helping you meet your patrons’ needs and keeping them engaged with your library.