How to merge library cards or user IDs
Merging user IDs (e.g., library cards or student IDs) allows your users to keep their OverDrive checkouts and holds when they switch IDs (for example, if they get a new library card).
To merge user IDs:
- Sign into OverDrive Marketplace.
- Click the Support tab, then click Merge user IDs.
- Enter the original ID and the new ID, then click Search.
- If the new ID doesn't have any OverDrive activity, it won't be found in our records. You can proceed with the merge unless you're merging an Instant Digital Card (see "Merging Instant Digital Cards," below).
- If you expect the new ID to have OverDrive activity but it isn't in our records, confirm the ID number is correct, then search for it again before proceeding.
- If we can't find the original ID in our records, you won't be able to complete the merge.
- Select the original ID and the new ID (if applicable), then click Merge.
- Select Yes in the "Merge barcodes" pop-up. The merge takes effect immediately, so the user can access their checkouts and holds when they sign in with their new card right away.
After the merge:
- In Marketplace, historical activity associated with the original ID will remain associated with that ID in reports and Support tab options (including active checkouts and holds at the time of the merge).
Note: Any activity after the merge will be associated with whatever ID the user signs in with. - Checkouts and holds will transfer to the new ID.
Note: When you merge an ID for Sora, only checkouts and holds from that school will transfer. For questions about accessing checkouts and holds from additional sources, including Public Library CONNECT, contact your Product Support Specialist (whose contact information is under the Marketplace Support tab). - The checkouts and holds on both cards will be combined. If the total number exceeds the user's checkout or hold limit, they won't be able to borrow or place holds on titles until they're within the limits again.
- On your OverDrive website, a user's wish list and rated titles will transfer to the new ID.
Note: The user's history will not transfer to the new ID, but they can export and save a copy of their history for their records. - In Libby, a user's timeline and tags (including the wish-list smart tag) will be preserved in the app, even if they remove the old card from the app.
- In Sora, a student's history, lists, annotations, and achievements will not transfer to the new ID.
Please note that after you merge an original ID to a new ID, you can't merge the original ID again.
If you'd like to unmerge IDs, please contact OverDrive Support using our technical support form.
Merging Instant Digital Cards (IDC)
When you merge an IDC with a new card, please do the following:
- Make sure the user has signed into your OverDrive collection with their new card (so that it shows up in the Merge user IDs tool). You will need to find both the IDC and the new ID in the Merge user IDs tool before proceeding with the merge.
- Enter the IDC in the Merge user IDs tool with a "+1" prefix followed by the area code and full phone number. For example, you would enter the phone number 1-123-555-1234 as "+11235551234."
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