5 Search Features in Libby That Every Bookworm Will Love

In the Virtual Library (VL), we've been encouraging members to try OverDrive's new app, Libby. It has several benefits over the OverDrive app:

• Libby authenticates with a card number and last name (no more trying to remember an Adobe ID or OverDrive account, especially when getting a new device!)
• Libby transfers over any titles checked out using the OverDrive app
• Libby starts in our catalog versus starting on the local bookshelf as the OverDrive app does
• Libby allows you to link your family's cards and add your Pioneer card so you can manage them all from a single location

Our members have had an overwhelmingly positive response to Libby and VL staff have been happy with it, too. OverDrive's Rickie Mascia recently blogged about Libby's search features and I wanted to share what she wrote:

1. Search the series.

Libby’s newest search feature makes finding series information faster, easier and more accessible.

Run a search for an entire series by typing the series name directly into the search bar. A series search will pull a list of all the titles (and only the titles) in the selected series that are available at your local library. Additionally, titles in a series are now marked as “[number] in series” in lists and search results. A book’s place in a series can also be found on its ‘details screen’. You can view any title’s ‘details screen’ by clicking on its cover art, which displays all the information about the selected title, including an overview of the chronological order of the other books in the series.

2. This isn’t your average search, this is…advanced search.

Advanced Search allows you to search for digital titles by multiple criteria, including subject, series, audience, format, ISBN, and more. Ideal for readers that are looking for a new title to read, but do not have an exact book in mind. Selecting specific parameters in your search will produce tailored and personalized search results.

3. Sort and filter.

Standardize your search preferences. Select your desired criteria by tapping the plus sign (on your library’s main page in the Libby app) and then tap the ‘Apply Preferences’ button. These settings will be saved to your account ensuring that all future search results generate lists that best match your individual reading habits. Preferences can be saved to automatically filter search results by availability, sort by (relevance, popularity, date added, release date, author, title), language, audience, and compatibility. This feature can also be a useful tool for parents to monitor the content that filters into their children’s search results.

Refine your search. Limit the number of titles that appear in your results by utilizing the ‘Refine’ link (found in your search results). Selecting ‘Refine’ will prompt Libby to display additional filters that can be selected to narrow down your search including sort by, language, audience, and compatibility. A specific search can also be sorted the same way you save your overall account preferences by simply tapping the plus sign to select additional filters with-in your search results.

4. Remove saved search items.

Libby automatically creates a log of your search items directly underneath the search bar. This feature provides you with an overview of all titles, authors, series, etc. that you have searched for in the past. If you prefer your lists not be saved, there is an option for you to remove them from the log. Simply tap the search bar as if you were going to run a search, this will prompt your search log to appear. Swipe left on the search item you would like to clear from the log and a red box that says “remove” will appear next to the search item.

5. BISAC search.

BISAC search is a dream search for readers that may not know the genre or subject or really anything other than a keyword that may help them find the title they are looking for. Use keywords such as ‘Holiday Romance’ in your search to view a list filled with every title available in your local library’s digital collection that matches that description. It does not matter what type of book you are looking for BISAC search will help you find your next great read much easier.

Learn more about Libby by visiting our Help page!

Not reading with Libby yet? Download our new one-tap reading app, today!