Thunder Bay Public Library Unifies Digital Services Through Hoopla
THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay Public Library has consolidated its digital media offerings onto a single platform, aiming to simplify access for patrons and expand its collection.
Effective April 1, all digital content — including eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines, eNews, eComics, and streaming video and music — is now available through Hoopla Digital, a one-stop platform that integrates directly with the library’s catalogue. Patrons can now search both physical and digital items from the library’s website.
According to Head Librarian Ruth Hamlin-Douglas, the transition began in mid-March and required a brief two-week service pause while licenses were migrated.
“Our existing licenses have now been transferred and Hoopla has been integrated with our catalogue,” Hamlin-Douglas said in a news release. “We’re very excited to move into the next phase: responding to patron suggestions for expanding our digital collections.”
The switch to Hoopla also results in cost savings, eliminating the need for multiple digital service providers. Those funds will now be reinvested into acquiring more digital licenses.
“Over the coming months, patrons will notice regular growth in the materials available through both the Instant and Flex collections on Hoopla,” Hamlin-Douglas added. “This will allow us to grow our digital collection faster and improve user experience without exceeding our budget.”
Hoopla Digital is free to all Thunder Bay Public Library cardholders in good standing.
