The ReciproCard Report: Delaware
Overview
Like 10 other states, Delaware pools everything into one shared digital catalog. All 20 of the libraries here that use Libby draw from the exact same collection, so it doesn't matter which one issued your card. You already have access to every ebook and audiobook the state has to offer.
Libraries and Libby Participation
Library systems: 21
On Libby: 20 (95.2%)
Not on Libby: 1
The ones not on Libby: Department Of Community Services. ReciproCard only tracks Libby, so those libraries aren't included in this report.
Not every library system uses Libby. Some offer digital borrowing through other services, and a few haven't adopted a digital platform yet. This report only covers libraries that are on Libby.
Unique Catalogs
Delaware has a single shared catalog that covers the entire state.
A shared digital catalog, sometimes called a consortium, is a collection of ebooks and audiobooks that multiple library systems fund and share together. Each catalog listed below is a separate collection. Libraries that belong to the same one are all drawing from the same pool of books.
| Catalog | Library systems |
|---|---|
| Delaware Libraries | 20 |
Most states do this in pieces, with a handful of regional groups that each buy their own. Delaware went with a single statewide collection instead.
The collection is bigger than any single library here could have managed alone. The tradeoff is that there's no second collection to go find within Delaware, since every library here is already on the same one.
Why You're Not Seeing New Card Opportunities
ReciproCard counts a new card opportunity every time a library system's cardholders can access a Libby catalog they don't already have, through partnerships, reciprocal agreements, or statewide programs. ReciproCard only tracks agreements that include Libby access, so physical-only reciprocity isn't counted. In Delaware, there's only one catalog, so no library can reach one it doesn't already have.
One shared catalog is a deliberate choice, and it's arguably the fairest way to run a library system. Somebody in the smallest town gets the same collection as somebody in the biggest city. Not many states can say that.
How Delaware Compares
- 48th of 51 for number of library systems (21).
- Tied for 41st of 51 for separate Libby catalogs (1).
- One of 11 places where every library shares a single catalog.
- Largest catalog: Delaware Libraries (20 libraries).
Explore Other States
Delaware is one of eleven places that run everything through a single shared catalog. In those states, getting another card actually opens up a different collection.
Haven't Searched Your Own Library Yet?
This report gives you the statewide picture, but your results depend on your local system. If you haven't already, enter your home library system in the search above to see what cards you might be eligible for.