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OverDrive Sora Public Library Connect: For School Districts

Questions from School Districts

As we explore our partnerships with the Ramapo Catskill Library System and OverDrive, questions about Public Library CONNECT have arose. Below are some frequently asked questions.

What patron information is being shared between the schools, OverDrive, and the Public Library?

The Ramapo Catskill Library System is only able to see the following data:

  • Name of the school district of the user
  • Title borrowed
  • Date borrowed
  • A 23-25 encrypted username that cannot be tracked back to a student/staff

How do book levels work with Public Library CONNECT?

Sora has audience levels, i.e. access levels, for books. Access levels for public libraries can be different from school libraries and can even vary by community. There is no way to set a level for any one book from the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS). Some districts have set up their Public Library CONNECT (PLC) so only juvenile books, i.e. elementary school books, are shared to Sora. Mature content is never available via Sora. 

The OverDrive application to connect to RCLS directly is called Libby. To connect to Libby, users must have a public library card.

How does my district sign up?

Each school district must sign a consent form to agree to the terms of the public library's (RCLS) service agreement with OverDrive. The Ramapo Catskill Library System must give permission for the school district to connect. RCLS must give final approval for schools/districts to connect to the RCLS eBook collection.

Do districts have to have an account with OverDrive to use PLC?

Yes. All districts wishing to connect to the RCLS collection must have their own account with OverDrive and sign consent form from OverDrive.

Does my district have to participate in the OUB Sora Shared Collection to use PLC?

Yes. School districts must belong to the OUB School Library Services Sora Shared Collection to participate in Public Library Connect with the Ramapo Catskill Library System. The Ramapo Catskill Library System must give permission for the school district to connect.

OUB School Library Services and Ramapo Catskill Library System will evaluate eligibility each school year.

What about class sets and assigning books to students?

Purchasing class sets of titles and assigning titles to students are valuable functions of having an Advantage Account. Districts wishing to use Sora to purchase class sets of titles and assign titles to students should consult with their school librarian(s) and/or OUB School Library Services.

Can we connect to RCLS without participating in PLC?

Yes. Students, faculty, and staff can connect to RCLS in their Sora accounts for themselves. There is no additional setup needed by school districts. In fact, students, faculty, and staff can add any library to which they are a member. The student, faculty, or staff member must have a public library card.