OverDrive’s Advanced Search feature allows a user to search for items by format, subject, and more. Select the box stating “Only show titles with copies available” to find immediately available titles.
Some publishers do not make their publications available to libraries as eBooks, even when they make them available as downloadable audiobooks. Sometimes the library cannot purchase licenses to provide eBook content by certain publishers, even though an individual can.
One method that is used is a holds ratio. Whenever the ratio of holds to copies exceeds a set number, an additional copy is automatically purchased. Placing holds tells us which titles need more copies. We purchase additional copies based on direct user demand.
OverDrive’s agreements with publishers require that the limit for library usage be one copy per user at one time, to be as similar as possible to the lending model for printed books. The library does purchase multiple copies of popular titles, and we have an “always available” collection of public domain titles listed under Additional eBooks – Always Available on the ACLD OverDrive site.
The page is now called Request Materials. Library users told us that they wanted holds to be placed on each item requested, so the Library has expanded this service to go beyond an anonymous online suggestion box. Now, when you ask for a title via the Request Materials page, Library staff will place your requested item on hold for you if it is purchased. In some cases, the item might be acquired for you via Interlibrary Loan. If the Library cannot acquire the item either way, you will be notified.
Some requests are not purchased due to lack of availability or cost, or because they don’t fall within the Library's purchasing guidelines, known as the Collection Development Policy. The library has limited resources and must satisfy the information needs of diverse communities throughout Alachua County. In some circumstances, these titles may be borrowed for you from another library via a system called Interlibrary Loan. If you fill out our online request form, you will be notified if the Library cannot purchase or borrow the item.
