Circulating Roku Devices with Premium Subscriptions

As more films and television shows bypass physical release and are made available only through streaming services, libraries need to find ways to get their patrons the content they're demanding. By circulating Roku devices pre-signed in to specific premium streaming platforms, specifically Acorn TV, Apple TV+, BET+, Discovery+, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Paramount+, Peacock Premium, and Prime Video, libraries can bring this much hyped content to their communities. This learning session and accompanying handout will describe how the Dayton Metro Library designed and implemented their Roku program that launched in March, 2022.

Nearly two years after the launch of the Roku collection, it can be called a success. Currently. the Dayton Metro Library circulates 216 Roku devices, each logged into one of 10 premium streaming services. Total collection circulation stood at 3,309 checkouts in the first year. Each device is in constant circulation and those results come without a single flyer, press release, or advertisement about this collection. Word of mouth has been the positive driving force behind this explosive circulation.

This collection could be scaled up or down depending upon the budget and size of the library. Staff at the Dayton Metro Library have answered questions and helped mentor other library systems of all sizes who wish to launch similar collections all across the United States. Attendees will leave this program with the knowledge needed to launch their own Roku collection with premium subscriptions at their library system.