What's New

FAQ Overhaul Underway

In the same vein as enhancing the registration page to include a message to help users register for hoopla, we are continuing to make it easier for hoopla users to get answers to support questions. Right now on our FAQ page, hoopladigitial.com/support, we are in the midst of an update of our FAQ. We’ve added new categories, such as the "ABC's of hoopla," designed to help users get quick answers to some of the errors first time users may experience when registering. Also, an enhanced "Widevine Plug-In" section features an updated link that makes it easier to download Widevine for users' computers.

If you see a frequently asked question that is not answered on our support page, please let your hoopla Coordinator know, or drop us a line at support@hoopladigital.com.

Recent Platform Updates

The hoopla Support Team would like to update you on some recent improvements we have made to the hoopla platform across our mobile apps and library admin site.  Please be sure to make note that some of these improvements are the direct result of from feedback from you, our hoopla partners.  

Recent iOS updates:

  • We will have the ability to pull in a library specific message during registration to assist patrons who may have trouble registering if they cannot remember their PIN.
  • We have added variable speed options to the audiobook player.  The app can now play audiobooks at the standard 1x speed, 1.25x or 1.5x speed.  During testing, we found that anything faster than 1.5x speed is a bit distorted.
  • The password reset process has been simplified.  Previously, we required users to copy and paste the temporary password a number of times.  Now, users simply need to enter the temporary password once before setting a permanent password.

Recent Android updates:

  •  Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile users can enjoy AB playback on S4 devices with the latest OS version.  Currently we are still blocking Sprint, devices until a software update is available from that carrier.
  • Enhanced our video player with more responsive controls.
  • We will have the ability to pull in a library specific message during registration.  These custom messages can assist patrons who may have trouble registering if they are unsure of what their PIN number is.
  • Added borrow information such as: "This title is available for 72 hours after you borrow it. This title is available for streaming and downloading (Android and iOS)." to the title detail page.
  • We have added rewind and fast forward buttons while playing audiobooks.  Tapping fast forward once moves forward at 2X speed.  You can go forward or in rewind up to 8X.  This is to improve reaching a specific spot in an audiobook.
  • The audiobook player has also received a sleep timer.

Recent library.hoopladigital.com updates:

  • We've implemented library user roles.  Admin users can now add additional staff members for the sole purpose(s) of pulling reports and/or building collections.  Librarians marked as admin will continue to have full access to settings.
  • A budget rollover feature has been added.  This feature allows any unused funds from your monthly budget cap at month’s end to be rolled over to the next month.  The goal is to help you keep your allotted funds for hoopla together for an entire fiscal year, rather than operating a month at a time.  (NOTE:  This feature must be enabled through your hoopla coordinator.) 

 

Please continue to check library.hoopladigital.com for future platform enhancements.  If you have suggestions or feedback, please let your hoopla Customer Coordinator know, or e-mail at info@hoopladigital.com.

Nick Anderson, hoopla Customer Support Specialist

Nick Anderson, hoopla Customer Support Specialist

Exciting Canadian Content Heading to hoopla

hoopla digital Celebrates Canadian Library Month with Thousands of New Titles, Expands Mobile Content Offering for Public Libraries Across Canada

 

Category-Creating Mobile Service Partners with CBC, Mongrel Media, Octapixx Worldwide, DHX Media, Nelvana Enterprises/Corus Entertainment, Tricon Films & Television, 9 Story Media Group, Syndicado, MediaCAN, Melbar Entertainment Group, The ShootingStar Film Company, Juice Distribution and The Fremantle Corporation

 

HOLLAND, Ohio/Toronto, ON - (Oct. 30, 2014) Adding to the creative, professional and academic growth of library patrons during Canadian Library Month, hoopla digital (hoopladigital.com), today announced new content partnerships with CBC, Mongrel Media, Octapixx Worldwide, DHX Media, Nelvana Enterprises/Corus Entertainment, Tricon Films & Television, 9 Story Media Group, Syndicado, MediaCAN, Melbar Entertainment Group, The ShootingStar Film Company, Juice Distribution and The Fremantle Corporation. hoopla digital’s category creating service, which partners with public libraries across North America, is bringing more than 12,000 movies and TV shows to participating public libraries across Canada.

 

“We want to help public libraries across Canada inspire and support their communities during Canadian Library Month by providing patrons with a new way to access their library and dynamic content on-the-go,” said Jeff Jankowski founder and owner of hoopla digital. “As we’ve seen with hoopla digital in Toronto and across Alberta, library patrons are excited to instantly gain 24/7 online and mobile access to thousands of new movies, TV shows, documentaries and educational videos – all for free with their library card. It’s digital and mobile, so there is no waiting period for popular titles and hoopla’s automatic return means no late fees.”

 

With these new content partnerships, hoopla digital expands its offering of more than 200,000 movies, TV shows, music albums and audiobooks to include popular titles such as Heartland, Murdoch Mysteries, Republic of Doyle, Stories We Tell, Tudors, Tracks, Restaurant Makeover, Very Good Girls, The Queen of Versailles and Blue Is the Warmest Colour, which are now available for Canadian patrons to stream or download instantly to their smartphones, tablets and computers. Patrons can also enjoy documentary, education, fitness, drama and children’s content such as Wild Canada, The Shakespeare Conspiracy, Yoga for Health – Mind Body Connection, Gangster Empire:  Rise of the Mob, Wild Kratts, Rolie Polie Olie, 6Teen, Fairly Odd Parents and more.

 

Through hoopla digital’s mobile app and website, this content is available for patrons of participating Canadian public libraries to borrow.  Participating libraries only pay for what patrons use. hoopla digital currently has agreements in place with, Universal Pictures, BBC Worldwide North America, Paramount Pictures, National Geographic, PBS and more than 100 other content companies.

 

"Our libraries enable people to learn, grow and be inspired, and we're always looking for ways to stay relevant and provide access to new and exciting content," said John Pateman, Chief Librarian/CEO at Thunder Bay Public Library.  "This year, the theme for Canadian Library Month is 'Libraries Inspire,' and with hoopla, we're able to expand our digital collection with a range of content that ignites thinking and encourages library members of all ages to make new discoveries."

 

There is no waiting to borrow movies on hoopla digital since on-demand content can be enjoyed by multiple patrons simultaneously.  Patrons who use hoopla digital also avoid library late fees, as digital content borrowing periods simply expire without additional charges.

 

hoopla digital expects to grow to more than 500 libraries across North America by the end of 2014, and the service now has partnerships with 40 library systems in Canada alone, including: Toronto Public Library, Edmonton Public Library, Richmond Public Library, Greater Victoria Public Library, North Vancouver District Public Library, Calgary Public Library, Winnipeg Public Library, and Hamilton Public Library.

 

To begin using hoopla digital, library-card holders can download the free hoopla digital mobile app on their Android or IOS device or visit hoopladigital.com. The service is only available to patrons of participating public libraries.

 

About hoopla digital

hoopla digital is a category-creating service that partners with public libraries across North America to provide online and mobile access to thousands of movies, TV shows, videos, music and audiobooks. With hoopla digital, patrons can borrow, instantly stream and download free dynamic content with a valid library card. All content is accessible via hoopla digital’s mobile app and online at www.hoopladigital.com. hoopla digital is a service of CVS Midwest Tape – a trusted partner to public libraries for over 25 years.

 

For more information, please contact (866) 698-2231.

 

# # #

 

Media Contact:

Passion Hemphill

MWW for hoopla digital

Phone: (312) 981-8541

Email: phemphill@mww.com     

Francesca Battistelli spreads the hoopla!

This month, hoopla digital's Facebook page is proud to feature a contest where the winner wins a prize pack compliments of Francesca Battistelli, and her album "If We're Honest."  Francesca also went a step further, and send out this tweet earlier today:

Don't miss out registering for a chance to win this exciting prize pack.  Head to http://a.pgtb.me/Hk47bs to register.  The deadline for entry is Sunday October 12.

hoopla Facebook giveaway contest features singer, songwriter and library enthusiast Francesca Battistelli!

We’d love to have you partner with us in a great giveaway featuring Francesca Battistelli!

 

hoopla is announcing the giveaway on our Facebook page at http://a.pgtb.me/Hk47bs, with a Grand Prize Pack that includes: If We’re Honest (her latest album), autographed poster, necklace and t-shirt.

 

Besides being a singer, songwriter extraordinaire, Francesca and her two children are avid library fans. To view and share her video featuring why she loves the library, visit: http://vimeo.com107108737.

 

We’ll also be supplying a few web banners to promote this giveaway that can be used on your library’s website or social media pages.

 

Please join us in promoting this worthwhile contest to your patrons! And, did we mention that Francesca’s If We’re Honest album is now available on hoopla?!