Simplified: Siouxland Libraries will phase out use of the Hoopla app at the end of March as it moves away from the pay-per-use model of sharing digital assets like ebooks, audiobooks and movies. But fear not, e-readers – there are two new digital options already in place to help fill the gap.

Why it matters

  • In recent years, the library system has seen an increase in costs as more folks opt for checking out digital books, movies, etc. over physical ones. For the first time this year, adult audiobooks beat out physical copies of children's picture books as the most checked-out items, according to Collection Development Librarian Beth Berg.
  • That's particularly tricky with the app Hoopla, which charges the library every single time an asset is checked out regardless of whether it's ever read or listened to. At this time last year, Hoopla was costing the library as much as $18,000 per month and is only used by about 10% of library cardholders, Berg said.
"That's just not sustainable in any budget climate," Berg said.
  • So, as Hoopla phases out, Siouxland Libraries is implementing new ways to share digital resources. In January, the system implemented Kanopy, an app offering unlimited views of movies, TV shows and more. Similarly, a new South Dakota reciprocal lending agreement gives Siouxland Libraries users access to ebooks from libraries statewide.

Tell me more

While Hoopla uses a pay-per-use model, apps like Libby and the new Kanopy have libraries pay an up-front licensing fee for assets that can then be shared.

  • Libby is also closer to what using physical library books is like in that if an ebook is already checked out, you might have to wait a few weeks to get your turn to read it.
"It really just fits in nicely to what libraries are for, what we’re all about," Berg said. "It's just that shared use."

Meanwhile, the statewide reciprocal lending agreement means any South Dakota library card holder can access digital resources from other libraries in the state. That includes the South Dakota Titles To Go from the state library and the Black Hills Digital Library Consortium – in addition to all of the Siouxland Libraries titles.

“This agreement represents a major step forward in collaboration among South Dakota libraries,” South Dakota State Librarian George Seamon said in a press release.

This resource came from a state-level decision, not a local one. But the timing just happened to be right around Hoopla's phase-out in Sioux Falls.

It's also important to note the sharing between libraries doesn't cost anything. The libraries are already paying for the licensing of those digital assets, and by lending them out across various systems, it helps ensure readers can make the most of the licenses that are already purchased.

How do I learn more about new resources?

If you're already using the Libby app – which, Berg said applies to about 18% of cardholders – you can access all of these by going to "Add Library," searching for either the South Dakota Digital Consortium or Black Hills Digital Consortium.

  • That will give you access to all of the statewide ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, etc.

If you're not using the Libby app, you can learn more about getting that set up here.

And, if you want to check out the various Kanopy resources – including a whole collection of kid-friendly and family-friendly shows – you can learn more here.