Customer Reviews (500)

Zimvaderman • 2025-03-21T23:39:17-07:00

I love having access to my library on my phone

Evjinninbh • 2025-03-21T23:38:07-07:00

It helps me so much

W. Shay • 2025-03-21T23:25:27-07:00

The libby app grants you access to thousands of free audiobook, ebooks and magazines!

Summary of Key Insights

Libby, the library app, enjoys overwhelmingly positive sentiment from its users, primarily due to its free access to a vast collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Users appreciate the convenience of accessing library resources from home and the cost savings compared to purchasing books or subscribing to services like Audible or Kindle Unlimited. The app's ease of use and integration with Kindle are also frequently praised. However, some users experience occasional crashes, long wait times for popular titles, and difficulties with library card verification. There are also requests for features such as an Apple Watch app, better filtering options, and improved audiobook controls.

Overall Rating: High (Strongly Positive)

  • 5-star: 78.8% (394/500)
  • 4-star: 10.4% (52/500)
  • 3-star: 4.4% (22/500)
  • 2-star: 2% (10/500)
  • 1-star: 4.4% (22/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent given the version number (8.1.2) and mentions of recent updates.
  • Analysis Methods: Primarily qualitative analysis, focusing on identifying recurring themes, sentiment expressed in the reviews, and feature requests. Quantitative analysis includes calculating the percentage breakdown of star ratings.

Key User Pain Points

  • Long Wait Times for Popular Titles: This is the most frequently mentioned complaint. Users express frustration with having to wait weeks or months for popular books and audiobooks.
  • App Crashes/Glitches: Several users report occasional crashes, data loss, and freezing, particularly when switching chapters in audiobooks or after updates.
  • Library Card Verification Issues: Some users encounter problems validating their library cards, preventing them from accessing content.
  • Limited Selection/Availability: While users appreciate the vast selection, some note that certain titles or authors are missing, or that their local library has a limited catalog.
  • Kindle Integration Issues: A few users report problems returning books via Kindle or transferring audiobooks.
  • Audiobook Playback Issues: Glitches when rewinding or skipping, and lack of high-quality audio options.
  • Tagging Issues: Problems with tags not being properly removed or synced.
  • Need for Internet Connection: Some users report needing an internet connection to load downloaded books.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Apple Watch App: Many users want to listen to audiobooks without their phone, especially during workouts.
  • Improved Filtering/Sorting: Users request better filtering options to find available books within specific genres, exclude previously read books, and block certain authors.
  • More Library Options: Some users want to add libraries more easily or wish that libraries would allow them to get a card through Libby.
  • Ability to Request More Audiobook Copies: Requesting that libraries purchase more digital copies of popular titles to decrease wait times.
  • Whispersync-like Feature: Synchronization of audiobooks and ebooks similar to Audible or Kindle.
  • Dark Mode with White Text: A specific request for a dark mode that uses white text on a black background for better readability.
  • Ability to Adjust Margins: Adjustment of margins for ebook reading on phone screens.
  • Ability to Sort Books by Length: A feature to sort books by length to quickly find shorter reads.
  • More Non-American Authors: Greater availability of international authors and audiobooks in English.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Free Access to Content: The primary and most lauded benefit is free access to a vast library of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
  • Convenience: Users appreciate the ability to borrow and read/listen to books from home, eliminating the need to visit a physical library.
  • Ease of Use: The app is generally considered user-friendly and easy to navigate.
  • Kindle Integration: The ability to send ebooks to Kindle devices is a popular feature.
  • Cost Savings: Users save money compared to buying books or subscribing to other services.
  • Offline Reading: The ability to download titles for offline reading is highly valued.
  • Accessibility Features: Adjustable text size, background color, and playback speed are appreciated.
  • Syncing Across Devices: Automatic syncing of reading position across devices.
  • Tagging System: The ability to create custom lists using tags.
  • Wide Selection: A good selection of books across many genres.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address App Crashes/Glitches: Investigate and resolve the reported crashes, freezes, and data loss issues. Impact: Directly affects usability and user satisfaction.
  • Improve Library Card Verification Process: Streamline the library card verification process to prevent access issues. Impact: Prevents users from accessing content.
  • Investigate Audio Playback Issues: Address the audio playback issues, including glitches when rewinding and the lack of high-quality audio options. Impact: Affects the audiobook listening experience.
  • Resolve Tagging Issues: Fix the issues with tags not being properly removed or synced. Impact: Affects organization and user experience.

Medium Priority:

  • Explore Options for Reducing Wait Times: Implement strategies to reduce wait times for popular titles, such as encouraging libraries to purchase more digital copies or implementing a system to reward early returns. Impact: Addresses a major user frustration.
  • Develop an Apple Watch App: Create an Apple Watch app to allow users to listen to audiobooks without their phones. Impact: Fulfills a popular feature request.
  • Enhance Filtering and Sorting Options: Implement more granular filtering and sorting options to help users find relevant content more easily. Impact: Improves content discovery and user experience.
  • Improve Kindle Integration: Address the reported issues with returning books via Kindle. Impact: Improves a core feature.

Low Priority:

  • Add Dark Mode with White Text: Implement a dark mode setting with white text on a black background. Impact: Improves readability for some users.
  • Allow Adjustment of Margins: Add a setting to adjust margins for ebook reading on phone screens. Impact: Improves readability for some users.
  • Add Ability to Sort Books by Length: Implement a feature to sort books by length. Impact: Improves content discovery for specific use cases.
  • Increase the Number of Non-American Authors: Expand the selection of international authors and audiobooks in English. Impact: Broadens the app's appeal.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Library Card Recommendation: A service that analyzes a user's location and reading preferences to recommend library systems with the best digital catalogs and easiest access.
  • Personalized Digital Library Subscription: A premium service that supplements Libby by offering guaranteed access to popular titles and a curated selection of books based on user preferences, bridging the gap between free library access and paid subscription services.
  • Libby Companion App for Readers: A third-party app that integrates with Libby to provide features like advanced reading statistics, social reading groups, and personalized book recommendations based on reading history.

Trends and Observations

  • Audiobooks are Highly Valued: Many users specifically mention their love for audiobooks and the convenience of listening while commuting or doing chores.
  • Free Access is a Major Selling Point: The fact that Libby provides free access to library resources is a recurring theme in positive reviews.
  • Long Wait Times are a Consistent Complaint: Despite the overall positive sentiment, long wait times for popular titles are a significant source of frustration.
  • Some users miss features from the older Overdrive app.
  • A number of younger users are actively using and reviewing the app.

Conclusion

Libby is a highly successful app that provides significant value to its users by offering free and convenient access to library resources. While the app enjoys overwhelmingly positive sentiment, addressing the key pain points – particularly long wait times, crashes, and library card verification issues – will further enhance the user experience. Implementing frequently requested features such as an Apple Watch app and improved filtering options will also contribute to increased user satisfaction. By focusing on these improvements, OverDrive can solidify Libby's position as the leading library app.

Overall Recommendation: Continue to prioritize stability and performance improvements while exploring options to reduce wait times and implement popular feature requests.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606?uo=2