Update: Ebook holds limit reduced from 6 to 4

December 18, 2020

Since March 2020, eZone use has increased dramatically and we anticipate this level of usage to continue. In order to maintain the best possible service for the greatest number of users, we have placed a new holds limit on digital titles as a way to increase the number of titles available for all patrons. This holds limit includes ebooks, digital audiobooks, and streaming video via eZone and through the ereader apps, OverDrive and Libby.

Under the new policy, each patron is limited to 4 holds at a time. While we know this will be an adjustment for some current users, we believe it will allow us to offer better service for the greatest number of users and will provide shorter wait times and broader access to our ebooks for everyone.

Please note: this will not affect current holds. All holds currently on your account will remain, even if you have more than 4 holds. Going forward, you will not be able to place any additional holds until you are under 4 holds.

Don’t forget that you can always return early

As soon as you return an item you can check out a new one. Returning ebooks and digital audiobooks early will help keep our digital materials available to all users during this time and will also allow you to add new titles to read.

How to return titles early:

From the OverDrive app

  1. Go to your Bookshelf.
  2. Either tap “edit” in the top right screen and tap “return.” Or, hold down on the ebook cover until a window pops up. Tap on “RETURN TO LIBRARY” and then tap “YES”
  3. A brief notification may appear signaling the item has been returned.

From the Libby app

  1. Go to your Shelf.
  2. Tap on “return early” and then tap the “return” button.
  3. A brief notification may appear signaling the item has been returned early.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve been downloading Ocean State Libraries (OSL) eZone ebooks for a while. Why did the number of books I’m allowed to have on hold at one time suddenly change?

OSL has been taking steps to support our patrons as much as possible this past year. To that end, in order to maintain the best possible service for the greatest number of users, we have limited the number of holds on ebooks and digital audiobooks as of DATE in order to ensure that as many users as possible can access our digital materials.

 

What is the total number of ebooks and digital audiobooks that I can now check out at one time?

You can still check out up to 8 digital titles at a time.

 

What is the total number of holds that I can now have at one time?

You can place up to 4 holds at a time.

 

I have a hold ready for pickup but I cannot check it out because I reached the limit for checkouts. What can I do?

If you are already at the maximum number of checkouts, you will need to return an item that you currently have checked out in order to check out another title.

 

How can I return e-books?

All digital titles expire at the end of their lending period (7-, 14-, or 21-days). We encourage all users to return titles early, so that the titles become available to other users.