Company Profile: Hoopla Digital

Background

Hoopla Digital is a digital media service that partners with public libraries to provide patrons with access to a vast array of digital content, including audiobooks, eBooks, comics, music, movies, and TV shows. Launched in 2013, Hoopla operates as the digital service of Midwest Tape, a leading provider of entertainment media products and services to public libraries across North America. The platform aims to enhance the library experience by offering immediate, on-demand access to digital media, thereby removing traditional availability constraints.

Key Strategic Focus

Hoopla's strategic focus centers on delivering a comprehensive digital media experience to library patrons. The platform emphasizes:

Immediate Access: Providing instant borrowing capabilities without waitlists or holds.

Diverse Content Library: Offering a wide range of media formats, including audiobooks, eBooks, comics, music, movies, and TV shows.

User-Friendly Interface: Ensuring seamless access across various devices, including web browsers, iOS, and Android applications.

By focusing on these areas, Hoopla aims to enhance user engagement and satisfaction within the public library system.

Financials and Funding

As a division of Midwest Tape, Hoopla's financial specifics are integrated into its parent company's operations. Midwest Tape has been a trusted provider of physical media to libraries across North America for over 35 years, offering products such as DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and shelf-ready solutions.

Pipeline Development

Hoopla continually expands its content offerings to meet the evolving needs of library patrons. In 2023, the platform added manga to its comic collection, introducing 1.5 million titles to its offerings. In January 2025, Hoopla introduced "SeasonPass," a new streaming feature that allows users to borrow an entire season of a television series with a single borrow.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Hoopla leverages advanced technology to deliver its services:

Proprietary Technologies: The platform utilizes a custom-built content management system to handle a vast array of digital media formats efficiently.

Scientific Methods: Hoopla employs data analytics to understand user preferences and optimize content recommendations.

AI-Driven Capabilities: The platform integrates machine learning algorithms to enhance search functionalities and personalize user experiences.

Leadership Team

Hoopla operates under the leadership of Midwest Tape's executive team, with Jeff Jankowski serving as the President and CEO. The team includes:

Sue Bascuk: Vice President

Catherine Zappa: Vice President, Digital Acquisitions

Brad Rose: Vice President, Content Strategy

Michael Holton: Vice President of Product Management

Eric Glesser: Vice President, IT and Operations

Mihir Agochiya: Vice President of Engineering and Development

Ann Ford: Vice President of Sales and Customer Support

Bridget Page: Senior Product Manager

This team is responsible for overseeing Hoopla's strategic direction and operational execution.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no significant changes or appointments within Hoopla's leadership team.

Market Insights and Dynamics

The digital media service market for public libraries is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for accessible and diverse content. Libraries are seeking cost-effective solutions to meet patron expectations for digital resources.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in this space include:

Kanopy: An on-demand streaming video platform offering films, TV shows, educational videos, and documentaries to public and academic libraries.

Libby: A free-to-use app developed by OverDrive, Inc., allowing users to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital materials from public libraries.

These competitors offer similar services, focusing on providing digital media access to library patrons.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Hoopla has established partnerships with numerous publishers, content providers, studios, and record labels to offer a diverse content library. These collaborations enable Hoopla to provide a wide range of media formats, including audiobooks, eBooks, comics, music, movies, and TV shows.

Operational Insights

Hoopla's pay-per-use model has been a subject of discussion among libraries. For instance, the Boston Public Library announced in September 2025 that it would discontinue its use of the Hoopla digital platform due to high costs, citing that each checkout was approximately three times more expensive than other digital resources.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Hoopla continues to explore opportunities to expand its content offerings and enhance user experience. The introduction of features like "SeasonPass" demonstrates the platform's commitment to innovation. Future directions may include further international expansion and the development of additional features to meet the evolving needs of library patrons.