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Ohio Digital Library Hold Limit

     The Ohio Digital Library (ODL) is updating the holds limit per cardholder. These changes take effect on May 15, 2025. 

     Here’s what’s changing and how it affects you. 

     ODL is updating the holds limit to a maximum of 20 OverDrive holds (previously 30). These limits were increased in 2020 to help meet demand. After 5 years of sustained demand, increasing digital material prices, and the possibility of library funding changes, the current holds limit is not sustainable. By lowering the hold limit, we also hope to help reduce wait times. 

     How will this affect how I use ODL?    

     If you are an infrequent user of the digital collection, this change will most likely not impact the way you use ODL. If you are a frequent user of ODL, you might notice the new hold limit more than another user. If you have over 20 holds after May 15th, you will not lose any of those existing holds, but you will not be able to place new ones until you have fewer than 20 holds.   

     If you have found yourself using the hold function as a to-be-read list, try using the tags feature in Libby instead. When using tags, you can create custom lists of books you want to read and organize them to your liking. If you use the OverDrive website, ohdbks.overdrive.com, you can add titles to your wish list. If you use Libby and the OverDrive website, you can import your wish lists into Libby.  

     Additionally, if you finish a book before the lending period is over, you can return them early to help reduce the wait time for others. But don’t worry if you forget, ebooks and audiobooks will automatically return when the loan period is finished, as always.

 Further readings: If you’re interested in learning more about digital book pricing, you can explore further at this GovTech article: “Behind E-Books, Libraries Find Restrictions and High Costs.”  The State Library of Ohio uses federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to administer The Ohio Digital Library. For information regarding possible library funding changes, please see the website at https://library.ohio.gov/statelibohio-federalfunding.