In the coming weeks, hoopla will begin reaching out to NCICU libraries to set them up with a login process for the hoopla login page. This is so users will be able to select their library from the list on the hoopla login page to create an account. Currently, all users log in using the “NC LIVE” account. In the next few weeks, hoopla will check-in with libraries to see if they would like to integrate their ILS with the hoopla login process. This is so hoopla will be able to use your ILS to verify users who are signing up for an account with hoopla. If your library does not use an ILS for authentication or you do not want to use ILS integration, that’s okay too. You don't have to connect your ILS to hoopla. See below for more options.
If your library has any locally licensed hoopla content, it will be integrated with NC LIVE content in the same account at this time. Please see below for more details and FAQs.
Next steps
In the next few weeks, hoopla will be reaching out to all UNC System libraries, asking if you would like to fill out a "hoopla ILS integration" form. This is so they can validate your patrons and ensure only the patrons you approve, will have access to your library's hoopla account. They will be sending those documents out through DocuSign. You will need to fill in the appropriate ILS server information for your library and any other restrictions you would like in place (i.e. expired cards, fines over a certain amount, etc.) and sign off. Once hoopla receives the form and completes the authentication setup, hoopla will then enable your library so it shows up in the drop down.
Libraries can integrate their ILS with hoopla via the following methods:
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SIP2
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LDAP
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Sierra Patron API
If you are unfamiliar with these authentication options or if you have access to them, hoopla recommends reaching out to your ILS provider (ex. SirsiDynix, Innovative, etc.). They should be able to provide guidance on what options are available through your ILS.
If you do not want ILS integration
If your library does not want to use ILS integration or cannot use ILS integration, that’s okay too. You don't have to connect your ILS to hoopla. The other alternative is to use what hoopla calls ILS Bypass. This would essentially skip over the authentication process and allow patrons to register and borrow without validating their information against your system. Patrons would still be prompted to provide a library card number and email address to create an account. However, you can add a custom message to the registration screen to let patrons know what to enter in the card number field. Hoopla will still add your library’s name to the drop-down list on the hoopla login page.
If you do not want to use ILS integration, then you will need to fill out an ILS bypass form. After that, hoopla will work with you to get your library added to the drop down list. They will also provide you with login credentials to the admin portal to access a patron report. This will allow you to review the registered patrons and alert hoopla of any patrons that should be disabled.
Do I need to use DocuSign?
No, please email hoopla to request a PDF version.
Do I need to fill out the form? What if I already use NC LIVE Hosted Proxy or EZproxy?
Hoopla does not support EZproxy, so you are not going to be able to use Hosted Proxy, EZproxy with hoopla. If you decide not to connect your ILS, patrons will need to use their school email address, and create their own password. You can add a custom message to the login screen to let patrons know how they should create an account. You will need to fill out the ILS Bypass form.
Do all users need an account to access hoopla?
Yes, hoopla requires individual users accounts in order to access the content, even from within the library building.
Is there a fee associated with hoopla?
There is no fee for NC LIVE libraries to use NC LIVE's collection on hoopla. The content in this collection was originally purchased from RBdigital and migrated to hoopla. They are audiobook and ebook titles that NC LIVE permanently owns. If a library does not already have a hoopla account to purchase/license hoopla content, such as instant titles, their patrons will only be able to access NC LIVE's content on hoopla. They will not see any other hoopla content. If a library wants their patrons to see other content on hoopla besides NC LIVE's, then they should contact hoopla about getting access to that content and there will be a fee in that case.
What content is included with NC LIVE's hoopla collection?
NC LIVE's hoopla content was originally purchased from RBdigital and now lives on the hoopla platform. It consists of around 1500 audiobooks and 500 ebooks. All titles are permanently purchased, with 1-user access per copy. We have multiple copies of some titles. Not all of our RBdigital content has migrated to hoopla yet. We still have some outstanding titles that are waiting on publisher permissions before migrating to hoopla. You can access a title list of all of NC LIVE's hoopla titles on this page: https://www.nclive.org/for-librarians/collections/title-lists
You can read about NC LIVE's original migration from RBdigital to hoopla in October 2020 here: https://www.nclive.org/blog/service/nc-live-rbdigital-content-moving-hoopla
You can read about the NC LIVE's migration to hoopla's consortial program in July 2022 here: https://www.nclive.org/for-librarians/news-and-updates/2022/hoopla-consortia-migration-july-11-2022