OverDrive, the world’s largest digital content provider, has officially joined the OpenAthens access management federation. This strategic move aims to streamline access for libraries in the education and healthcare sectors, creating a more seamless experience for users globally.
Based in the United States, OverDrive is a B-Corp Certified business that partners with over 92,000 public libraries, schools, colleges, universities, and corporate entities across 115 countries. Its comprehensive range of services includes the popular Libby reading app, the Sora reading platform, and the Kanopy streaming service.
In the wake of the pandemic, organizations are increasingly investing in wellbeing and professional development resources to support their staff, reduce absenteeism, and improve retention rates. OverDrive plays a crucial role in this by delivering relevant content at the point of need through the Libby reading app.
One significant driver behind OverDrive’s transition to a federated access model is to better support the NHS, one of the world’s largest healthcare providers. Previously, OverDrive facilitated single sign-on through multiple one-to-one connections, a model that was challenging for large and complex organizations to manage. By joining OpenAthens, OverDrive is increasingly utilized by NHS trust libraries, providing staff with easy access to wellbeing and professional development resources anytime, anywhere.
Key benefits of OverDrive's partnership with OpenAthens include:
• Scalable Access: The federated access model allows for seamless entry into a broader array of industries and organizations, enhancing OverDrive's reach.
• Improved Security: OpenAthens collaborates with publishers and library organizations to safeguard published content and address any signs of misuse.
• Reduced Overheads: By eliminating the need for multiple one-to-one connections for sub-organizations, federated access reduces administrative burdens.
OverDrive’s mission to ensure that everyone has equal access to explore new ideas and enrich their lives through digital content aligns closely with OpenAthens' core values of creating simple, secure access to knowledge and resources.
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