OverDrive and Replacement Library Cards

Hello,

I am sending this e-mail to help clarify what happens when a customer who has an OverDrive account gets a new library card number. Unfortunately the checkouts, holds, and wish lists from the customer’s OverDrive account do not automatically get transferred to the new library card number. This means it is important when you are helping a customer obtain a replacement library card that you ask if they have been using OverDrive with their old library card number. If so, their OverDrive account under their old number needs to be merged with their new library card number.

Please send a message to E-mail Reference including the customer’s name, old library card number (if necessary we can look up their old number), and new library card number. If customer prefers to do this themselves, make sure they are aware of how to find the E-mail Reference form on the library’s website. This information should be sent as soon as possible. Both the IT Helpdesk and I can also merge OverDrive accounts if there is an issue getting hold of E-mail Reference. Once the changes have been made in the administration website they should go into effect immediately.

If you are a manager or supervisor please make sure that all staff that assists patrons with library cards receive this information.

Sincerely,

Marianne Lorio

Multimedia Specialist

Houston Public Library

marianne.lorio@houstontx.gov

832-393-1514

DC