A few days ago, libraries using OverDrive showcased the new OverDrive app, which will be available soon. This app, called Libby , will not replace the official OverDrive app for the time being, but rather serve as a complement for OverDrive users.
The operation of Libby is quite simple and we only need to indicate the name of the library and enter the membership number, then we enter the password and that's it.
However, Libby has begun to stand out for its shortcomings rather than its strengths. Among these shortcomings, the most glaring is the lack of bold text in Libby's ebooks and reader. This goes against accessibility standards and guidelines for documents.
Libby does not comply with international accessibility standards at the moment
In contrast, the Overdrive app and Kobo do have this feature, which is more noteworthy. On the other hand, we know that Libby is fully compatible with Kobo eReader software , allowing users to send ebooks directly to their eReaders without needing a computer. This feature was introduced some time ago but has real operational issues.
We don't know anything about the future of Libby, but although it's still in development, it seems likely to become another Overdrive client, allowing connections with other mobile platforms and eReaders . This could be interesting for many. It could also be a client for libraries that use Overdrive and other related services.
In any case, Libby will be available for iOS and Android , so we can also install this app on our mobile phone or tablet, or even use it as our regular ebook reader. Libby still has a long way to go before it becomes a serious competitor to other apps like Kindle Reader, Kobo, or Aldiko, but it seems to be attracting a lot of attention already, don't you think?