After several efforts to bring Tacoma Public Library’s hoopla spending within budget, we have made the tough decision to end our subscription. Hoopla access will end January 31, and the funds saved will be redistributed to purchase more eBooks and eAudiobooks in OverDrive/Libby and Comics Plus as well as to add titles to popular print collections.
Why is hoopla out of budget?
There are three compounding reasons. 1) Tacoma Public Library’s budget for collection materials has not seen an increase in 30 years. 2) The cost of eBooks and eAudiobooks for libraries has skyrocketed. 3) Hoopla’s model is pay-per-checkout, meaning we pay a fee each time an item is checked out, rather than paying for the book itself. This model makes budgeting difficult to plan for and costs increase in exponential terms.
What did we try before cancelling?
We tried many tactics for getting our hoopla spending within budget including lowering the number of monthly checkouts per patron and restricting hoopla from eCard users. Unfortunately, even with these measures in place the cost of hoopla continues to exceed our budget.
What happens if a patron has something checked out when the service ends?
If you have an item checked out at the time of cancellation (January 31), you’ll still have access to it for the full loan period. For example, if you borrowed an eAudiobook on the night before cancellation, you’ll still be able to listen to it for the full borrowing period.
Will patrons still be able to access their accounts?
Yes! Patrons will continue to have access to their accounts and borrowing history. However, you won’t be able to borrow content through your library. If you’re also a member of another library that offers Hoopla, you can update your library info in their account settings.
Which other libraries have hoopla?
Many libraries across the country are finding themselves in the same position and canceling hoopla. Seattle Public Library and King County Public Library still offer Hoopla, but do not have eAudiobooks.
What if I have concerns about OverDrive including wait times on a book, or a book not being available?
If there’s a title you would like in eBook or eAudiobook, use Libby’s “Notify Me” feature or submit a purchase suggestion. Similar to physical books, Libby might have a holds queue for popular items; however, we monitor demand and purchase additional copies when possible.
Does TPL have other resources for eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, and graphic novels?
Yes! We will continue to purchase eBooks and eAudiobooks through OverDrive. Knowing that hoopla's subscription was ending, we purchased two OverDrive all access passes for unlimited checkouts of more than 2,000 mystery and romance eBooks. We've also added Comics Plus—a digital library of comics, graphic novels, and manga. Comics Plus has unlimited checkouts and no waiting.
