Overdrive Libby adds in new AI discovery features
Overdrive Libby has just launched a brand-new feature designed to make discovering your next read easier and more engaging! The “Inspire Me” search and discovery experience integrates responsible AI to support book discovery within each user’s local library collection.
Unlike traditional search algorithms that prioritize generalized recommendations, Inspire Me is built upon each library’s unique digital collection. Patrons can explore books through guided discovery prompts called “inspirations” and/or based on their previously saved titles in Libby. When a user taps an inspiration, Libby surfaces five relevant titles from their library’s digital collection, each accompanied by a brief explanation of how the book matches the inspiration. The feature prioritizes titles that are immediately available to borrow, allowing readers to start their newly discovered titles right away.
“Inspire Me uses responsible AI integration to help patrons dive deeper into the incredible catalogs their local libraries have curated,” said Jen Leitman, OverDrive’s Chief Marketing Officer. “By surfacing titles that align with what readers are searching for, Inspire Me helps patrons discover more of the books their libraries have already invested in. It’s not about replacing human insight, it’s about making discovery easier, smarter, and more intuitive.”
“Every library collection is unique because it reflects the needs and interests of its community,” said Ryan Fish, EVP of Product Management. “Inspire Me complements librarian-led discovery by helping make those existing collections easier to explore, building stronger engagement and circulation across digital collections.”
Rollout is already underway, and patrons can expect to have access to this new feature in September. The feature can be found by clicking the Libby icon in the centre of the menu at the bottom of the app. Upon first use, patrons will see a clear explanation of how recommendations are generated, along with links to Libby’s privacy, content rights, and environmental impact statements.
The post Overdrive Libby adds in new AI discovery features first appeared on Good e-Reader.
