Q: What happened to Axis 360? How do I get started with Libby for eBooks and eAudiobooks?
eBooks and eAudiobooks have moved from Axis 360 to Libby
We are excited to announce we have moved our eBooks and eAudiobooks to a new platform: Libby! You can now borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines to read on your phone or tablet all on one app! With the Libby app by OverDrive, you can even read your borrowed eBooks on your Kindle! It's and easy to get started for new users and a streamlined experience for current OverDrive app users.
About the Collection
Why are you changing from Axis 360?
In Spring 2021, a study to evaluate electronic content vendors for books and audiobooks determined that Libby from OverDrive was the optimum choice for our patrons and stakeholders, based on factors such as features, usability, customer support and value.
Does this affect the State Library of Kansas collection on cloudLibrary?
The State Library of Kansas will continue to offer its eBooks and eAudiobooks on cloudLibrary, and it will not be affected when our collection moves from Axis 360 to Libby. Kansas residents can get a Kansas Library eCard through our Library.
Why haven't you ordered the eBook/eAudiobook version of [certain book title]?
In order to prepare for the move to Libby, we temporarily paused ordering new digital materials. No worries! We've kept track of the latest and greatest, and we are in the process of purchasing those titles to add to our collection in Libby.
[A certain title] was in Axis 360. Why isn't it in Libby?
We were able to move most but not all of our Axis 360 eBooks and eAudiobooks to Libby. In rare cases, a title wasn't licensed for Libby, a publisher would not allow a title to be transferred, or a title expired out of our collection during the move. If you'd like to see a specific title added to our collection, please submit a suggestion for purchase.
Why can't I login to Axis 360?
Access to our titles had to be disabled in Axis 360 before we could add them to Libby. Beginning May 23, attempting to login to our collection on the Axis 360 app may result in an error that your Library card is invalid or that your patron information cannot be found. Don't worry, your Library card is still active! It won't work with Axis 360 anymore, but you can sign into Libby.
Can I access the Library's digital collection through my school?
Previously our collection was available to many local public schools through their own Axis 360 sites. Check with your school to find out if the district will be providing access to Sora, OverDrive's service designed specifically for schools. Sora is compatible with our eBooks and eAudiobooks and lets students explore titles based on their grade levels.
Checkouts, Holds, and Lists
Will my checkouts transfer?
Active checkouts did not transfer to Libby, but you will be able to complete your checkout period in the Axis 360 app. Beginning May 23, if you log out of Axis 360, you will not be able to log back into the app or website.
Will my holds transfer? What about suspended holds?
Yes! All holds placed in Axis 360 by April 14 transferred to Libby, if possible. Each title's holds list retained your place in line based on when the hold was placed. Simply login to Libby with the same Library card to manage your holds. Holds suspended in Axis 360 transferred to Libby as active holds, so you may want to suspend your hold again. You can also place new holds in Libby.
Why is a hold I checked out in Axis 360 also on hold for me in Libby?
All Axis 360 holds lists as of April 14 were copied to Libby, if possible. Between April 14 and May 23, holds in Axis 360 continued to be filled for those next in line, as usual. If one of your holds became available in Axis 360 and then again in Libby, you may cancel your hold in Libby to kindly let it go to the next person in line, or you can enjoy this lucky second chance to checkout your hold again!
I had a hold on [a certain title] in Axis 360. I don't see it on my account in Libby. What happened?
Unfortunately, some titles could not be transferred, and some titles expired out of our collection during the move. Holds on those titles could not be copied over to Libby. When possible, we are repurchasing these in-demand titles, and you can place a new hold. If you don't see a title you're looking for, suggest it for purchase, or browse our Library catalog or Interlibrary Loan for a different format.
Can I still access my Axis 360 Wishlist or Axis 360 Checkout History?
Wishlists and Checkout History did not transfer to Libby. Moving forward, you can track checkout history on your Libby timeline and use tags for titles you want later. You can also add digital titles to your "For Later" and "Completed" shelves in the Library catalog.
What will happen to Axis 360 titles that I added to my shelves or lists in the Library catalog?
Axis 360 titles will remain on your shelves and lists in the Library catalog. You won't be able to check them out for Axis 360, but they will display as Libby titles from OverDrive or provide a link to search for the title in other available formats.
What will happen to my Axis 360 account?
After our Axis 360 collection is shut down, your account and data will be disabled. Any data retained is managed according to the Axis 360 Public Library Privacy Policy.
Using Libby
How do I get started with Libby?
From the Libby website or the Libby app (for iOS and Android), find Johnson County Library and add your Library card, then dive in! For more guidance, visit the Libby Help site for a variety of step-by-step instructions such as:
- Adding your Library card to get started
- Navigating the Libby app
- Reading ebooks and magazines
- Listening to audiobooks
- Getting more help
Do I use the same login information?
Login to Libby by adding your Library card number and PIN/password. If you don't have a Library card, here's how to get started.
If I'm already signed into Libby through another library, can I also use it for Johnson County Library's eBooks/eAudiobooks/eMagazines?
Yes! You can add multiple library cards to Libby so you can easily switch from one library's collection to another's. You will need to add your library card(s) to Libby on each device or web browser you want to use.
How do I sign out?
Remove your Library card from Libby or reset the app to remove your data from a specific device or web browser. These actions apply only to that device/browser, and you can always re-add your Library card to see your checkouts and holds again. See the Libby Help site instructions for signing out.
Is there a limit to how many eBooks/eAudiobooks I can check out or renew?
Like with Axis 360, in Libby you'll be able to check out up to 10 titles at a time – in any combination of eBooks and eAudiobooks. Magazines do not count against your 10-item limit. You'll be able to place up to 30 titles on hold at a time.
Is reading and listening to books in Libby the same as in Axis 360?
The reading and listening experiences are very similar. Libby allows you to customize the display of your eBooks in a number of ways such as font, font size, background color, etc. The audiobook player features bookmarks, variable playback speed, a sleep timer and more.
Is there a wish list in Libby?
In Libby you can create and customize tags to make a list of what you want to read, your favorites, what you've borrowed, and more. If you use Libby on multiple devices, you can sync tags, reading progress, and more.
Why does Libby track checkout history? Can I turn off that feature?
Libby automatically tracks your loans, holds, renewals, and returns to conveniently help you remember what titles you've read or where you left off in a series. Manage your timeline to filter, export, clear, or completely turn off your reading history on each device you use for Libby. Data in Libby is managed according to the OverDrive Privacy Policy.
Kindle and Amazon Fire Compatibility
Can I read Library eBooks from Libby on Kindle?
Often, yes! Many eBooks on Libby are supported by Kindle. In Libby, you can specify if you prefer to read your books via Kindle or Libby. eBooks delivered to Kindle can be read on devices like the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis as well as in the Kindle app. Learn more about reading with Kindle.
Will the Libby app ever be available on Kindle/Amazon Fire tablets?
Libby is now available in the Amazon Appstore on newer Fire tablets. If you've already installed Libby on your Fire tablet using OverDrive's Android Package File (APK), you can continue using that installation of Libby.
If you'd like to use Libby from the Amazon Appstore instead, follow these steps to make the switch.
Here are some options for older Fire tablets:
- Internet browser: Use the tablet's Silk browser to visit our Libby site. Explore the collection, access your shelf, and stream your checked out eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. Older web browsers may not support Libby (learn more). If you have trouble accessing Libby through the Silk browser, use the Libby Support form to report the issue and get help, or switch to a compatible device.
- Deliver to Kindle: On a different device, use our Libby site or the Libby app to check out and deliver eBooks via Kindle. Then on your Fire tablet, read your checkouts from the Kindle app.