Kobo e-readers do not allow users to connect multiple library cards simultaneously.
In recent news, there have been some significant changes in the world of digital libraries, specifically with OverDrive and Kobo. Here's a breakdown of the key points and what they mean for users.
Firstly, it's important to note that OverDrive, a company that powers the popular Libby app, has undergone a change in ownership. In 2020, OverDrive was sold to KKR, a hedge fund, and is no longer formally working together with Kobo. This lack of formal collaboration may explain why OverDrive is no longer fully supporting Kobo e-readers.
Despite this change, the ability to use multiple library cards on Kobo e-readers has not been directly affected. Users can still download books via a computer and transfer them to Kobo devices using Adobe Digital Editions, logging in with their respective library card credentials as needed.
However, Kobo has discontinued the ability to attach multiple library cards to a Kobo account, limiting users to one library card. This means that each time a user wants to access books from a different library, they will need to manually transfer books using Adobe Digital Editions.
Another point to consider is the discontinuation of the OverDrive app, which was replaced by Libby several years ago. The Libby app, while available on most platforms, is not integrated directly on Kobo e-readers. This means that users must manually transfer books from their Libby account to their Kobo devices.
Audiobooks on the Libby app use a different encryption method, not supported by Kobo e-readers. As a result, users cannot access audiobooks directly through the Libby app on their Kobo devices. However, OverDrive employs Adobe DRM for e-books checked out from libraries, which is supported by Kobo e-readers.
In terms of the recent change in ownership of OverDrive, it has not been reported to have an impact on the ability to use multiple library cards on Kobo e-readers. The implementation and management of this change by Kobo are perceived as poorly handled, leading to some confusion among users.
Kobo could potentially pay Overdrive to make the Libby app available on Linux, but this would require a capital investment and long-term coding and updates, which Kobo typically does not handle.
In conclusion, while there have been changes in the ownership and functionality of OverDrive and Kobo, users can still access their digital library collections, borrow e-books, and read them on Kobo e-readers. However, the process of accessing books from multiple libraries has become more manual, and users cannot access audiobooks directly through the Libby app on their Kobo devices.
E-reader users who rely on Kobo devices might find it challenging to access audiobooks directly through the Libby app, since the encryption method used for them is not supported by Kobo e-readers. Meanwhile, the recent change in ownership of OverDrive and its discontinued partnership with Kobo could impact the future integration of the Libby app on various platforms, such as Linux, given Kobo's usual hesitation to invest in such endeavors, resulting in potential limitations for users.
