MobileTechReview Forum, News and Reviews: OverDrive Adds Streaming Video to Public Libraries

OverDrive announced today that the Streaming Video lending service has launched in its first pilot at Los Angeles Public Library (http://lapl.lib.overdrive.com). The Streaming Video service is a convenient and exciting way to instantly borrow from your library and watch videos anytime, anywhere, on any computer, tablet or mobile device with an internet connection. While LAPL is the first to offer the service, OverDrive is preparing to roll it out to their entire network, expanding to additional markets in North America and worldwide. Here's more info:

Libraries spend millions of dollars purchasing DVD and Blu-Ray movies for lending in their communities. With OverDrive Streaming Video, this is a forward-looking service that libraries can invest in to reach new patrons through their website. As with other digital media services from OverDrive, titles are never late, never lost, and there are no late fees.

With OverDrive's service, video titles are hosted on the same platform as the library's eBook, audiobook and music titles, creating an easy user experience where library patrons can browse, discover and borrow videos or other media titles all in one place. Streaming Videos can also be browsed, searched and sampled on the OverDrive Media Station, OverDrive's in-library touchscreen eBook kiosks, and sent directly to any device via email, QR code or text message (SMS).

Users can have fun viewing samples or checking out streaming video titles of all kinds including award-winning independent films, children's videos, foreign films, documentaries, comedies, dramas, educational videos and more. Movies starring Academy Award-winning actors such as Forest Whitaker, William Hurt, Cate Blanchett, Susan Sarandon, Philip Seymour Hoffman and others are accessible with one click through the OverDrive-powered digital library website. Whether you are interested in learning guitar, catching up on the classical adaptation of The Gift of the Magi or entertaining your family with titles like Inspector Gadget or The Adventures of Paddington Bear, OverDrive Streaming Video has something for everyone. Chief Strategy Officer Lee Milstein, General Counsel Erica Lazzaro and team have been busy in California talking with major motion picture studios, and big announcements are coming soon. Thousands of additional titles in all genres from major studios, including Hollywood blockbusters, will be added on a continual basis.

OverDrive is going live with several libraries as part of a limited pilot program starting this month. Visit search.overdrive.com to see available Streaming Video titles.

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