With the merger of the Arrowhead Library System and the Lakeshores Library System into the new Prairie Lakes Library System, some merging also needs to be done with various
online services, including Libby and Overdrive. As a result, there will be a temporary disruption in access to Wisconsin’s Digital Library (Libby and OverDrive) from the morning of Monday, April 3 through the morning of Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
Some digital reading history may be lost if patrons do not take action by Sunday, April 2, 2023. If you are a user of the OverDrive app and/or wplc.overdrive.com, and you want to keep a record of your reading history, you will need to download it by April 2, 2023. (Note: Reading histories on the OverDrive app are separate from the reading histories on wplc.overdrive.com and must be saved separately if you use both.) This does not effect users of Libby app or Libbyapp.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Merger
What’s going on?
There will be a temporary disruption in local (Prairie Lakes Library System) access to Wisconsin’s Digital Library (Libby and OverDrive) from the morning of Monday, April 3 through the morning of Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Some digital reading history may be lost if patrons do not take action by Sunday, April 2, 2023.
What resources will be affected?
OverDrive app, wplc.overdrive.com, Libby app, and libbyapplcom will experience a temporary disruption.
Why is this happening?
On January 1, 2023, Arrowhead Library System (ALS) and Lakeshores Library System (LLS) merged to form Prairie Lakes Library System (PLLS), which serves the counties of Racine, Rock, and Walworth. Each library system in Wisconsin has a dedicated “Advantage Account” within Wisconsin’s Digital Library. This allows systems to customize local digital collections. PLLS has two advantage accounts, one from each pre-merge system. These accounts are going to merge into a single Advantage Account under the PLLS system.
What is the project’s timeline?
The project is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023, and is slated to be complete by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
What does this mean for me?
Non-digital users:
If you do not use Libby or Overdrive, or their websites, you will not be affected.
All Digital Users:
You will be logged out the morning of Monday, April 3, and will experience difficulty logging in throughout the morning. You will need your library card number and PIN to log back in – select your library or Prairie Lakes Library System. Expect incomplete account information (checkouts, holds, etc.) through the morning of Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
Users of Libby app and/or Libbyapp.com:
Your timeline (reading history) and tags will not be affected.
Users of OverDrive app and/or wplc.overdrive.com:
Your reading history will be lost if you do not export it by the end of the day Sunday, April 2, 2023.
What advance action should I take?
Users of Libby app and/or Libbyapp.com:
No action needed in advance.
Users of OverDrive App and wplc.overdrive.com
If you want a record of your reading history, download reading history from the website and OverDrive app by April 2, 2023. (Note: Reading histories on the OverDrive app are separate from the reading histories on wplc.overdrive.com and must be saved separately if you use both.)
It is also recommended that users of the OverDrive app switch to Libby, as the maker plans to fully discontinue the legacy OverDrive app on May 1, 2023. At that time, users who try to access the library’s collection in the OverDrive app will need to upgrade to Libby. Libby offers the same great collection with a streamlined user experience. Libby offers the same great collection with a streamlined user experience. (Note: Your reading history from the OverDrive app and wplc.overdrive.com will not transfer to Libby.)
How do I export my reading history?
Exporting your wplc.overdrive.com borrowing history:
1. Log in at https://wplc.overdrive.com
2. Go to Loans (icon of books), then History
3. Select Actions, then Email history
4. Enter your email address, then select Submit
Exporting your OverDrive app borrowing history:
Note: If you use multiple devices, for example–a smartphone and a Kindle, you will need to perform an export from each.
1. Log in to the app on your device
2. Tap Menu, then tap History
3. Select Share All, then select SHARE
Are OverDrive & Libby histories included in my SHARE Reading History?
No. If you have selected to opt-in to track your SHARE history, it is totally separate from your Libby and OverDrive reading histories.
Will I be able to import my reading history?
No, reading histories cannot be imported.
What data will transfer?
- Accounts for all patrons that have signed in at any point.
- Patron current holds and checkouts.
- In Libby, the timeline will remain intact.
- All content, with the exception of materials in cost-per-circulation lending model.
What data will not transfer?
- Reading history from OverDrive app or website. (Users can export their reading history to save through April 2, 2023.)
- Recommendations made in the OverDrive app or on the website.
- Cost-per-circulation titles and local content.
- Non-traditional content – database and streaming services.
