Upcoming OverDrive changes

As part of our authentication improvements, we will be switching OverDrive authentication for libraries on the shared ILS (aka LINKcat) to real-time authentication. The switch is scheduled for Tuesday, October 16^th. 

What’s new?

• For everyone:  There will be two system-level entries in the login screen for SCLS patrons.  Patrons who don’t choose their individual library’s listing and instead use the general “South Central Library System” will have these options:
  • "South Central Library System – LINKcat libraries"
    South Central - LINKcat Library*
    
    • This entry is for patrons of libraries on the shared ILS who use the LINKcat catalog
  • "South Central Library System – Albany, Amherst, Marshfield, Monticello, Pittsville, Rio, Vesper"
    South Central - nonLINKcat Library*
    • This entry is for patrons of libraries who aren’t on the shared ILS system
• For LINKcat patrons:  Changes in Koha will be reflected right away in OverDrive (new cards, renewed cards, barcode replacements no longer need wait overnight to log into OverDrive)  The downside of this is if Koha is down, OverDrive authentication will be down.

What’s the same?

• For everyone:  Each library will still have their own individual listing in the OverDrive login.  (It’s only the system-level login option that’s changing.) 
• For everyone:  When a patron gets a replacement library card, library staff will still have to use an OverDrive Marketplace account to log in and merge the patron’s old barcode and new barcode. 
• For everyone: SCLS still only allows OverDrive access to patrons who live in the SCLS service area.  Patrons who live outside the SCLS service area will continue to use OverDrive through the library system associated with their residence.
• For non-LINKcat patrons:  Authentication for libraries not on the shared ILS will not change.

* 10/16 Update - After seeing the changes in action, it was clear that these longer entries did not always display enough text, especially in the "Libby" OverDrive app. We have shortened these entries up as well as added a helpful error message for LINKcat patrons who might mistakenly select the "nonLINKcat" option.