Now Live!: Massachusetts OverDrive Reciprocal Lending Agreement (RLA)
On Monday, April 22, 2019, MVLC libraries joined the Massachusetts OverDrive Reciprocal Lending Agreement (RLA). With this agreement, MVLC library patrons can access the OverDrive collections of all the other participating library networks. Read on to learn more about the OverDrive RLA!
Update (October 2019): The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has officially branded this program as Library eBooks and Audiobooks, or LEA. To view MBLC's informational page for LEA, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for me?
With your library card from an MVLC library, you now have access to OverDrive e-books and digital audiobooks from many other Massachusetts libraries. While you should always start your search in the MVLC OverDrive collection, if the title you are looking for is currently checked out or not in the MVLC collection, you may now search, borrow from, and place holds on titles at other participating networks as well.
What library networks can I use?
The following library networks are participating in OverDrive RLA. Please click on a network name to visit their OverDrive home page:
How does it work?
You can access OverDrive collections three ways: the network’s OverDrive website, the OverDrive app, and the Libby app. Each participating network’s collection must be searched separately.
- Website: go to MVLC's OverDrive home page and choose another network from the Partner Libraries link at the top of the page. Once on the other network’s site, sign in as an MVLC Library Patron using the barcode (no spaces) on your library card.
- Libby or OverDrive Apps: open the app and follow the instructions below to add the other network(s) to the app. Then you can begin searching for items within those networks. Once added, the app will remember these networks and you will not need to add them again.
How do I add a participating network to my Libby app?
For both IOS and Android users:
- Tap on the Libby icon at the top right of any page to access the Add A Library option. Search for and select the library network you wish to add.
- On the network’s main page, scroll down to the section that says, “Let’s add a library card for [network name].” Tap on the I’m Visiting from Another Library link and select MVLC Library Patrons from the list of networks.
- Sign in as an MVLC Library Patron using the barcode (no spaces) on your library card.
How do I add a participating network to my OverDrive app?
IOS users:
- Click on the menu in the top left to access the Add A Library option.
- Select the network you wish to add from the list.
- On the network’s main page, sign in as an MVLC Library Patron using the barcode (no spaces) on your library card.
Android users:
- Click on the menu in the top left to access the Manage Libraries option.
- Click the + to search for and add a new network, then select it.
- On the network’s main page, sign in as an MVLC Library Patron using the barcode (no spaces) on your library card.
How do I check out an item from another network?
The checkout process is the same across all RLA library networks. To check out a title, click or tap Borrow and follow the commands on the screen. See the OverDrive Help page for assistance with the basics of borrowing, renewing, and placing holds on OverDrive titles.
- In Libby, your checkouts and holds from all networks will appear on your Shelf.
- In the OverDrive app, checkouts and holds from each network must be viewed separately.
How many titles can I borrow? How long can I keep them?
Account settings such as loan periods, how many titles you can borrow at one time, and limits on the number of holds you can place at one time vary according to the rules of the library network from which you are borrowing.
Checkout and hold limits apply only to the particular library network being used. For example, titles borrowed from another RLA network do not count against the 5-checkout limit imposed by MVLC, and titles borrowed within MVLC do not count against other networks’ checkout limits.
Can I place a hold on a checked-out title in another network?
Yes. MVLC patrons may place holds on titles in other networks, but the system will always give preference to patrons with cards for that network. In other words, MVLC patrons using other partner library networks will never receive a title from that network ahead of the network’s own library patrons. Similarly, patrons with a card from an MVLC library will always receive an MVLC title before any patron visiting from another network.
Can I recommend titles for purchase in other networks?
Typically, no. Most networks do not permit users from visiting library networks to do this, so you should recommend titles within your home network (MVLC).
Are there any restrictions?
Certain collections, including simultaneous use items like magazines and some video collections, may not be lent outside of the home network due to agreements with publishers.
Still Have Questions?
If you have questions about accessing other networks' OverDrive collections or about how to configure your device to take advantage of MVLC's participation in the RLA, please contact your local library.