How quickly do new releases reach Overdrive libraries?

[Waddill]

A book I want to read (Morning Star by Pierce Brown) is being released next week. This is the first new release that I will be waiting to read via my usual Overdrive app from my local library.

I know it depends on the library, but is there any delay in the time it takes for new releases to reach public library distribution?

Just wondering if it is like new movies sometimes take a couple months to become available as rentals...?

[Christopher]

From my experience the ebook tends to show up around the same time as the physical book. I know it heavily depends on your individual library, though, as they have to actually license the books. I've found books on overdrive.com that are available as ebooks in some capacity, just not from my library.

[Elle]

I think this is a case of "it depends". Sometimes publishers will wait weeks (I ran into a case of months! - Illuminae) after a book is released to offer it in digital/audio form. Some publishers make the digital version available right away. It also depends on your library. They may buy hard copies of a book but not license its digital/audio version on OverDrive. Or they may wait to see how popular the book is with their patrons and then opt to license additional formats. Or they may opt in on the digital form (if the publisher made it available) and offer it as soon aas the hard copy is released. Depends on budgets, marketing and popularity (book, series, author). This is from my experience and casual research/reading on this topic. If someone else is more in the know about this, please let us know. I'm interested too.

[Hank]

I too am waiting for Morning Star. My library bought paperback copies and not audio for this book. They purchased 15 copies and of course I am 17th on the waiting list....so close... But it looks like they already have the books and are sorting them. I suspect if your library bought the ebook copy they will deliver exactly on the release date. Audible has it ready for the release date so any audio copy should be available as well.