Montgomery County Public Libraries Introduces Independent Overdrive eBook Collection

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 11, 2020

To better serve County residents, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) now has its own independent Overdrive ebook collection. Customers can expect an electronic collection that reflects the interests of County residents and a system that is more responsive to their requests and needs. This includes greater functionality within the OverDrive application, shorter hold times, and a greater flexibility to provide service features that will increase usability and satisfaction. 

“We have significant advantages by having an independent collection for MCPL,” said Director Anita Vassallo. “We are better able to curate a collection that meets the needs of County residents; our customers no longer have to wait behind residents of other counties on holds lists; and we are able to be much more responsive to customer recommendations for material to add to our ebook/eaudiobook collection. We can also set our own policies; and have already increased the number of holds and checkouts allowed from six to 10.”

MCPL has exited the Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium for Overdrive, in which it participated for collective ebook/eaudiobook purchasing and lending. Other large library systems, such as Prince George's County Memorial Library system found that moving from consortial participation has added benefits for their cardholders. Baltimore County Public Library announced that they intend to withdraw from the consortium this year.

For additional information, contact James Donaldson, assistant director, Technology and Collections at 240-777-0030

Release ID: 20-046
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6536