A new digital library services vendor, Hoopla, is out of beta and is now operational at a handful of libraries. The company gives access to libraries and patrons video, music and audio books — but not ebooks, yet.
“We’re in discussions right now with some of the largest publishers and with everything that just came down with the Apple ruling they were all waiting. Hopefully that progresses with something on the ebook side in the future,” said Michael Manon, Hoopla’s brand manager.
Should Hoopla enter the business of supplying ebooks to libraries, it will compete with the likes of 3M and OverDrive.
More on digital content in libraries here.
[Press Release]
New Digital Service Gives Library Card-Holders Online and Mobile Access to Free Movies, TV Shows, Music and Audiobooks
Now out of beta, hoopla digital will partner with public libraries across North America
Launching a new era of digital access to public libraries, hoopla digital (www.hoopladigital.com) today announced public availability of its new service, providing library-card holders with online and mobile access to videos, music and audiobooks.
Public libraries across North America can now partner with hoopla digital to provide their patrons with thousands of titles – from major Hollywood studios, record companies and publishers – available to borrow for instant streaming or temporary downloading to their smartphones, tablets and computers.
“With hoopla digital, it is our mission to help public libraries meet the needs of the mobile generation. We’ve worked for years to create a best-in-breed service that is fun, fast and reliable. Librarians and patrons who participated in our beta gave the service rave reviews. With our public launch, we look forward to serving public libraries and their patrons across North America,” said Jeff Jankowski founder and owner of hoopla digital.
hoopla digital’s simple sign-up and attractive, easy-to-use interface quickly gets library patrons to their listening and viewing experience. Since on-demand content can all be enjoyed by multiple patrons simultaneously on hoopla digital, there is no waiting to borrow popular movies, TV shows, albums or audiobooks. And hoopla digital’s automatic return feature eliminates late fees.
“Patrons in Seattle love the hoopla experience because it’s easy and fast, giving users the ability to access content wherever they like,” said Kirk Blankenship, Electronic Resources Librarian for The Seattle Public Library, which participated in the beta. “Our customers are excited to learn about hoopla digital – some even download the app right in the library to try it out – it’s fantastic!”
As it emerges from beta, hoopla digital is used by more than ten library systems including: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Edmonton Public Library, Hamilton Public Library, Harford County Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, Orange County Library System, Salt Lake County Library Services, The Seattle Public Library, and Toledo-Lucas County Public Library and is expected to grow to one hundred libraries by the end of 2013.
“Streaming content is a big part of our customers’ lives and we want to make sure we are staying relevant to those needs,” said Robin Nesbitt, Technical Services Director of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. “With hoopla digital, we’re able to expand our collection to many of our customers who are using our digital offerings exclusively. Our staff and customers are also happy with the app’s seamless experience and ease of use.”
To begin using hoopla digital, library-card holders can download the free hoopla digital mobile app on their Android or IOS device or visit hoopladigital.com. The service is only available to patrons of participating public libraries.
About hoopla digital
hoopla digital is category-creating service that partners with public libraries across North America to provide online and mobile access to thousands of movies, TV shows, videos, music and audiobooks. With hoopla digital, patrons can borrow, instantly stream and download free dynamic content with a valid library card. All content is accessible via hoopla digital’s mobile app and online at www.hoopladigital.com. hoopla digital is a service of Midwest Tape – a trusted partner to public libraries for over 20 years.