17 votes

US libraries scramble for books after giant distributor shuts down

5 comments

  1. MortimerHoughton
    Link
    I'm guessing, but don't know, that this primarily affects American libraries. I wonder what the situation is like for other countries.

    I'm guessing, but don't know, that this primarily affects American libraries. I wonder what the situation is like for other countries.

    6 votes
  2. Matthias720
    Link
    Public library employee here. I don't know too much, as I'm only a shelver, but my librarian coworkers have been worked up over this, as it's making their jobs more difficult. Baker & Taylor, the...

    Public library employee here. I don't know too much, as I'm only a shelver, but my librarian coworkers have been worked up over this, as it's making their jobs more difficult. Baker & Taylor, the company in question, provided more than just books, offering all types of media. Now, libraries that service poorer communities won't be able to as easily offer the latest DVD releases, or stock video games. Our teen services librarian used B&T exclusively, and now they're having to get used to using a completely different distributor, one that has a much smaller selection to purchase from.

    If you have a library near you, please consider using it, even if you only visit once or twice a month. Item circulation numbers drive budgets, and most librarians will gladly purchase titles upon request. Your support matters, ensuring your community has access to materials that might otherwise be inaccessible to the public.

    4 votes
  3. [2]
    Narry
    Link
    Baker & Taylor is shutting down? That's sad as heck. I wonder if Boundless is going to shut down as well? I can't see how it won't. Dang.

    Baker & Taylor is shutting down? That's sad as heck. I wonder if Boundless is going to shut down as well? I can't see how it won't. Dang.

    3 votes
    1. DefinitelyNotAFae
      Link Parent
      Yes I got a notice from my library that they're pivoting to another service (Palace Project) but that existing holds and checkouts won't come with.

      Yes I got a notice from my library that they're pivoting to another service (Palace Project) but that existing holds and checkouts won't come with.

      3 votes
  4. smores
    Link
    That's rough. Our entire digital catalogue was through B&T. We can still direct our patrons to use our state's Palace Protect, but I believe that the way that's set up is completely distinct from...

    That's rough. Our entire digital catalogue was through B&T. We can still direct our patrons to use our state's Palace Protect, but I believe that the way that's set up is completely distinct from our library. I don't think we got any physical books through Baker & Taylor, but I have a shift today so I guess I'll find out!

    1 vote