OverDrive Will Launch Next Generation of Content Reserve on February 14th

Here’s what OverDrive told partners in an email earlier today.

We are delighted to announce that the Next Generation of Content Reserve will launch on February 14. This release is a compilation of the most requested features that you have shared with us.
To prepare for the launch, please take time to review the following resources:
30-minute training (view anytime, anywhere)
User reference guide (an overview of features and functionality)
In addition to the newly designed interface, enhanced search performance and improved ease of use, selectors will enjoy these new features:

Mac and iPad support:Users will be able to browse and purchase eBooks and other digital media on a Mac or an iPad.Expanded browser support: Content Reserve will be available for use in multiple browsers including Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari and others. Internet Explorer 7 users will need to install the Google Chrome Frame plugin to take advantage of web technologies such as HTML and CSS3. The free plugin will be automatically prompted to install and only takes a few moments. Multiple carts: Users will be able to create dozens of active shopping carts, which will allow for improved organization of digital content during the selection process. For example, a Young Adult selector will be able to have a YA Mystery, YA Romance and YA Nonfiction cart, and define which is the ‘main cart’ to add titles with just one click. Save searches: Frequent queries can be saved, named, and pinned to the homepage of Content Reserve so selectors can run the same search with one step and save a tremendous amount of time. Enhanced search: Browsing and searching our catalog of hundreds of thousands of digital titles will be faster and easier with improved search functionality. This includes a faceted search, which will allow a user to focus search results by format, price, subject, etc. Content Organization: Content will be organized in three sections: One Copy/One User, Metered Access (e.g., HarperCollins eBooks, etc.) and Simultaneous Use (formerly known as Maximum Access). Simplified reports: The number of reports has been reduced, and data from some reports has either been consolidated or moved to a logical location elsewhere in Content Reserve. The layout of data within each report has been reconfigured for easy viewing and customization. Improved Support tab: In addition to a simple form to request assistance from OverDrive’s Support Services team, a new section has been added that shares the names and contact information for your library or school’s contacts at OverDrive. This will help connect users to the OverDrive team quickly and easily.

The above features are designed to improve efficiency and reduce your staff’s time and effort for growing your OverDrive-powered digital collection. In order to launch the new Content Reserve, we had to leave a few features behind for the short-term, but plan to bring some back soon. These include:
Maximum Access (now called Simultaneous Use): With this interim release, titles offered in the simultaneous use model will not be available for purchase under a user’s account. If your library or school is interested in reviewing the Maximum Access plans, or renewing a Maximum Access subscription, in the short term, please contact your Collection Development Specialist (collectionteam@overdrive.com) and he/she will provide more information.
Community Reserve: The ability to upload local content or add local content submitted by other libraries in the OverDrive network will not be available at this time.
It is our goal to ensure that the transition to the Next Generation of Content Reserve is seamless for your library or school. All current carts in your queue, purchase order history, activity data and user accounts/rights will be moved for you. You have no action to prepare for this transition.
We appreciate the suggestions that you have shared to help make the Next Generation of Content Reserve easier and more enjoyable to use. We welcome your feedback as we continue to enhance the ordering tools for eBooks and other digital media.

Filed under: Data Files, Libraries, News, Patrons and Users, Reports