HarperCollins this week announced that it has signed a deal with library service provider hoopla digital to make its entire digital audiobook backlist catalog available via hoopla’s streaming service. The deal means that patrons at over 950 public library systems working with hoopla can soon begin accessing HarperCollins’ audiobooks on their smartphones and tablets via hoopla’s free mobile app (or via the hoopla website, with a valid library card).
As a multi-user, streaming service, there is no waiting to borrow titles on hoopla’s platform—unlike the one-copy one user model on other platforms, content on hoopla is offered on-demand, and can be used by multiple patrons simultaneously.
“We want the broadest possible distribution for our authors’ works and are excited to partner with hoopla to expand our audiobook offering for libraries,” said HarperCollins chief digital officer Chantal Restivo-Alessi, in a release. “There’s been a terrific response to digital audio from library patrons and this agreement enables libraries to try a different approach to purchasing.”
In a statement, Jeff Jankowski, founder and owner of hoopla digital, also noted the recent surge the popularity of audiobooks. "Audiobooks are the fastest growing segment in publishing to date, with high demand from libraries and their patrons,” he said.
The HC deal expands hoopla digital’s catalog to more than 450,000 movies, TV shows, music albums, e-books, audiobooks and comics, all available 24.7 on a multi-user model.
