The ReciproCard Report: Washington, D.C.
Overview
Washington, D.C. has a single library system running a single Libby catalog. Your card already covers everything the district has to offer on Libby.
Libraries and Libby Participation
Library systems: 1
On Libby: 1 (100.0%)
Not on Libby: 0
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
Washington, D.C. 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 |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia Public Library | 1 |
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 Washington, D.C., 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 Washington, D.C., there's only one catalog, so no library can reach one it doesn't already have.
There are also agreements reaching into Virginia (8), Maryland (2). A card from across the border would be a different collection, so that's the one route out.
How Washington, D.C. Compares
- Tied for 50th of 51 for number of library systems (1).
- Tied for 41st of 51 for separate Libby catalogs (1).
- 31st of 51 for new card opportunities (9).
- One of 11 places where every library shares a single catalog.
- Every library system in Washington, D.C. is on Libby.
- Largest catalog: District of Columbia Public Library (1 libraries).
Explore Other States
Washington, D.C. 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.