Libby uses AI to predict how long a patron will wait before a borrowed title becomes available. Rather than showing a rough estimate, the app analyzes patterns in borrowing activity to give a more accurate wait time for titles with a holds queue.

CEO Steve Potash confirmed in August 2024 that OverDrive was using AI to improve hold-time predictions for Libby users. The feature applies machine learning to historical circulation data — including how quickly past borrowers return titles and how many people are ahead in the queue — to generate more accurate estimated wait times. The practice directly improves user experience by helping patrons decide whether to join a holds queue or look for an alternative title. It was described as an active initiative in mid-2024, though it is unclear whether full deployment had been completed at that point.