What's Happening?
Follett Content and Mackin, companies known for serving the school library market, are expanding their services to public libraries following the collapse of Baker & Taylor. Britten Follett, CEO of Follett Content,
has been planning this expansion for months, especially after ReaderLink's acquisition of B&T fell through. Follett Content, which works with over 6,000 publishers, aims to provide shelf-ready children's and young adult titles to smaller and mid-sized libraries, with plans to cater to larger systems by next year. Mackin, another entrant into the public library market, offers access to over 4.2 million titles and is looking forward to fulfilling print orders for public libraries.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Follett Content and Mackin into the public library sector is significant as it addresses the void left by Baker & Taylor's collapse, ensuring continued access to diverse literary resources for public libraries. This move is crucial for maintaining the availability of children's and young adult literature, which is essential for educational and cultural development. Libraries, especially smaller ones, stand to benefit from the seamless transition and expanded offerings, potentially enhancing their service capabilities and community engagement.
What's Next?
Follett Content plans to add adult titles to its offerings in the future, further broadening its scope in the public library market. Both companies are expected to continue investing in infrastructure to support larger library systems, which could lead to increased competition and innovation in library services. Stakeholders, including publishers and library administrators, will likely monitor these developments closely to assess the impact on library operations and community access to literature.
Beyond the Headlines
The entry of Follett Content and Mackin into the public library market could lead to long-term shifts in how libraries source and manage their collections. This expansion may also influence the publishing industry, encouraging more partnerships and collaborations to meet the evolving needs of libraries. Additionally, the focus on children's and young adult literature highlights the ongoing importance of nurturing literacy and education through accessible public resources.
