If you use the Libby app to enjoy ebooks and audiobooks, you might be interested to know that the Upper Hudson Library System has partnered with other library systems to broaden the collection and offer more reading options. New to the Libby app? Check out our introductory Libby post to get started.
How Does This Work?
Our neighboring library systems, Mid-Hudson Library System, Southern Adirondack Library System, and Mohawk Valley Library System have agreed to allow all patrons of the systems access to all digital items in the collection. This is called “reciprocal lending.” A user adds the libraries to their Libby app, and then they can search any of the collections and borrow.
The main limitation is that guest users cannot place holds. For example, Upper Hudson Library System users cannot place holds on items in the Mid-Hudson catalog, but if a Mid-Hudson item is available for immediate checkout, the Upper Hudson user can borrow it. The same is true if a Mid-Hudson user wants to check out an item in the Upper Hudson catalog.
How to Add Libraries
- Open the Libby app
- Tap the menu icon
- Select Add Library
- Type Mid-Hudson Library System and select it
- At the sign-in prompt, scroll down to Upper Hudson Library System and select it
- Enter your UHLS library card number
- Repeat with Mohawk Valley Library System and Southern Adirondack Library System
- If prompted for your PIN, enter the last 4 digits of the phone number we have on file for you
Searching Multiple Libraries
After other library systems have been added to Libby, you can tell which system’s catalog you are searching by looking at the top of the search screen. To switch to a different library system, click on the system’s name and scroll down to see other available library systems. Select the one you would like to switch to and search. To change again, click the search icon in the bottom menu and then tap the library name at the top of the screen.
If you are a guest in another library’s catalog and select place hold on a title, it will place the hold only in your home system’s catalog. If your home catalog does not have the item, you will not be able to place the hold.
Bonus Libraries!
Did you know that ALL residents of New York State are eligible for cards from New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library? Even if you don’t physically visit the libraries there, you can use the card(s) to access their digital resources. Unlike the reciprocal library systems listed in the previous sections, you can place holds on items from these libraries’ catalogs. If you would like to apply for a card at any or all of those libraries, click the linked library name(s).
When you get an NYPL/Queens/Brooklyn card, you will get a separate library card number for each system you apply to. Use the process above to add the card(s) to Libby, but after step 4 (select library), you will enter the new card number that matches that library.
Now that you have multiple card numbers in Libby that can place holds, you can click to place a hold in any of the library catalogs available to you, and the app will let you know which library has the shortest wait time. You can then choose to place the hold on the copy that will come the quickest.
Summary
Let’s face it – sometimes the wait times in Libby are staggering. By adding reciprocal and bonus libraries, you can decrease your wait time and access a wider variety of materials than searching only the Upper Hudson Library System Libby catalog.
