In Author DeskOverDrive Appoints Marc DeBevoise as President to Lead Next Phase of Growth
Digital library company OverDrive has announced a major leadership move that could shape the future of how people read, watch, and learn through libraries. On March 3, the company revealed that media and streaming industry veteran Marc DeBevoise will join the company as its new president.
DeBevoise brings more than two decades of experience in digital media, streaming services, and technology-driven content distribution. He previously served as CEO of video platform Brightcove and held leadership roles at CBS Interactive, where he helped develop one of the earliest network streaming platforms.
With his arrival, OverDrive is looking to strengthen and expand its widely used digital platforms, including the library reading app Libby, the school-focused reading platform Sora, and the video streaming service Kanopy.
Company founder and CEO Steve Potash believes DeBevoise’s experience will help the company continue its mission of making digital learning and entertainment more accessible through libraries and schools.
A Leadership Shift at OverDrive
OverDrive founder Steve Potash previously held the role of president alongside his CEO duties. With DeBevoise stepping into the position, Potash will now focus more closely on the company’s overall strategy while working together with the leadership team.
Potash expressed confidence in the new appointment, saying he expects DeBevoise to help make OverDrive’s platforms more user friendly, inclusive, and enjoyable for people around the world.
The company hopes the move will accelerate improvements to its products while helping libraries and schools expand digital access to books, films, and educational content.
According to Potash, the goal remains clear: helping libraries and educators continue their work of changing lives through reading, viewing, and learning.
Who Is Marc DeBevoise?
Marc DeBevoise is no stranger to the world of digital media and online content platforms.
Before joining OverDrive, he served as CEO of Brightcove, a company known for its video technology platform used by businesses and media organizations around the world. During his time there, he helped develop tools powered by artificial intelligence to improve video publishing, content management, and automated metadata tagging.
Earlier in his career, DeBevoise worked at CBS Interactive, where he played a key role in launching CBS All Access. The streaming service eventually evolved into Paramount+, which is now one of the major players in the global streaming industry.
His professional journey has largely focused on helping digital content reach audiences through emerging technology platforms. Over the past twenty years, he has worked across major shifts in media consumption, including the rise of smartphones, tablets, subscription streaming services, and ad-supported streaming.
Now, he sees OverDrive as part of that same digital transformation, but within the world of libraries and education.
Why DeBevoise Joined OverDrive
For DeBevoise, the decision to join OverDrive was strongly tied to the company’s mission-driven approach.
He described the organization as a bridge between publishers, content creators, and public institutions such as libraries and schools. Instead of focusing only on entertainment or profit, OverDrive plays a role in expanding access to knowledge and education.
That mission appealed to him.
OverDrive helps connect publishers and studios with readers, students, and viewers through digital platforms that are often available free through libraries. This unique ecosystem allows communities to access ebooks, audiobooks, films, and educational materials without needing to purchase them individually.
DeBevoise believes there is significant potential to grow this model while making the experience better for users.
The Apps That Power Digital Libraries
OverDrive is best known for several widely used digital platforms that have become essential tools for libraries and educational institutions.
Libby: The Library Reading App
Libby is OverDrive’s most popular product. The mobile app allows users to borrow ebooks and audiobooks directly from their local libraries.
Instead of visiting a library building, readers can browse digital collections, borrow titles, and start reading instantly on their phones or tablets. Libby has become especially popular among commuters, students, and readers who prefer digital formats.
The app also allows users to place holds on popular books, manage multiple library cards, and download titles for offline reading.
Sora: A Reading Platform for Schools
Sora is designed specifically for students and educators. The app provides access to digital books that support classroom learning and literacy development.
Schools use Sora to encourage reading while giving students access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks from school libraries.
The platform is also aligned with the science of reading approach, which focuses on evidence-based methods to improve literacy and reading comprehension.
Kanopy: Streaming Movies Through Libraries
Kanopy offers a different kind of digital experience. Instead of books, it provides streaming access to movies, documentaries, and educational films through libraries and universities.
Users can watch critically acclaimed films, independent cinema, documentaries, and educational content without paying subscription fees. Libraries and universities cover the licensing costs, allowing patrons to stream content using their library membership.
What DeBevoise Plans to Do Next
As he steps into his new role, DeBevoise says he is focused on continuing the evolution of OverDrive’s platforms.
One of his biggest priorities will be expanding the range of content available across Libby, Sora, and Kanopy. This includes working with publishers, film studios, and content creators to bring more material into the company’s ecosystem.
He also plans to collaborate closely with OverDrive’s technology teams to enhance product features and improve the overall user experience.
Another area of interest is exploring new ways to think about content delivery and digital discovery. As digital media continues to evolve, OverDrive wants to stay ahead of how readers and viewers find and consume content.
A Global Opportunity for Growth
OverDrive already has a significant global presence. The company serves more than 80,000 libraries and schools across 115 countries.
In the United States, it is considered the leading provider of digital library services.
However, DeBevoise believes the international market still offers huge growth opportunities.
Many library systems around the world are still expanding their digital offerings. In many cases, OverDrive works alongside other digital content providers as a non-exclusive partner. This means libraries can choose from several platforms, creating a competitive environment.
For OverDrive, this also means there is room to expand partnerships and reach more readers, students, and viewers globally.
The Growing Importance of Digital Libraries
The demand for digital library services has grown significantly over the past decade.
Readers increasingly expect instant access to books and media through their smartphones and tablets. At the same time, schools and universities are integrating digital learning tools into classrooms and remote education programs.
Platforms like Libby and Sora make it easier for institutions to provide large digital collections without the limitations of physical inventory.
For libraries, this shift also helps them serve communities more effectively by offering access anytime and anywhere.
With leaders like DeBevoise guiding its strategy, OverDrive hopes to continue expanding the role of libraries in the digital age.
Looking Ahead
Marc DeBevoise’s appointment marks an important moment for OverDrive as it looks to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing digital content market.
His experience in streaming, digital media platforms, and technology-driven distribution could help the company unlock new opportunities for libraries and educational institutions worldwide.
If his past work launching and expanding streaming platforms is any indication, OverDrive’s next chapter may involve bigger global reach, smarter technology, and richer digital collections for readers and viewers everywhere.
For libraries and schools that rely on OverDrive’s services, the coming years could bring new features, expanded content, and even more ways to connect people with stories, information, and education.
