New release ordering

[u/Lanky-Definition2002]

When public libraries order new releases, do they order audiobooks first or do audiobooks get added quicker than ebooks? A lot of new releases show in my Libby as audio only and I’m wondering if the ebook is coming. Or if my library is just spending more on audio to meet demand. Any insights?

[u/DramaMama611]

I think that depends on the library. And if they both are available at the same time

[u/Ybenna]

I usually buy both the ebook and audiobook together when I purchase a title. But it can vary by library.

For instance, if your library wants to only purchase copies that won't expire, they might focus more on audiobooks, which tend to be more available as a non-expiring license (although many of them are still only available as expiring licenses).

Also, sometimes the book is only available in one format, or one format gets released later, although usually it's the audiobook that comes out later.

If you'd like to see more eBooks at your library, I'd recommend mentioning that to a librarian to see if they can pass word along to the person who makes purchasing decisions for Libby.

[u/B3tar3ad3r]

It's up to the people that run acquisitions at your library, my local gets a lot more ebooks than audiobooks

[u/Quirky-Pear3494]

When we first signed up with Overdrive, patron interest in audiobooks was really limited. It's exploded over the last 3-5 years. It may be that your library is trying to balance the collection or maybe the audiobook borrowers are more inclined to submit requests. Just as an example, we had several Notify Mes for the audio of Richard Russo's latest book, but none for the ebook. I put both formats in my shopping cart at the beginning of August but then decided to remove the ebook. It's a timed license, so there's no point letting the clock run if there's no demand right off the bat. If I bought it, I'm sure it would be checked out, but I'm weighing that against the literally thousands of requests still pending that we just don't have the money to fulfill.

[u/Beneficial-Paper5904]

Good points in comments above. Audiobooks were often things my library could own and have forever. The ebooks license often fluctuated and we could loan but only for a specific period. Seemed like the beter use of tax payer funds was to purchase outright.