What's Happening?
Barnes & Noble is increasing its efforts to supply books to libraries following the collapse of Baker & Taylor, a major distributor. The company is promoting its &Classwork e-commerce portal, which was launched in 2020, to facilitate book shipments to libraries,
schools, and nonprofits. The portal offers discounts ranging from 20% to 35% off most titles. Institutional and corporate customers can complete transactions online or seek assistance from local Barnes & Noble representatives. This initiative is part of a broader trend where companies like Ingram Content Group, Bookazine, Amazon, Follett Content, and Mackin are expanding their services to fill the void left by Baker & Taylor.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Barnes & Noble's library services is significant as it addresses the gap in book distribution caused by Baker & Taylor's shutdown. Libraries, schools, and nonprofits rely heavily on distributors for access to a wide range of titles at discounted rates. By stepping up its services, Barnes & Noble is positioning itself as a key player in the library supply chain, potentially increasing its market share and influence in the industry. This move could benefit educational and nonprofit institutions by providing them with more options and competitive pricing, thereby supporting their mission to promote literacy and education.
What's Next?
Barnes & Noble's initiative may prompt other companies to enhance their library services, leading to increased competition in the book distribution market. Libraries and educational institutions might explore new partnerships and negotiate better terms with distributors. Additionally, Barnes & Noble's local store representatives will play a crucial role in facilitating account applications for libraries without institutional or corporate accounts, potentially expanding the company's customer base.
Beyond the Headlines
The collapse of Baker & Taylor highlights vulnerabilities in the book distribution industry, prompting a reevaluation of supply chain strategies. Barnes & Noble's proactive approach may set a precedent for other retailers to diversify their services and strengthen relationships with educational and nonprofit sectors. This shift could lead to long-term changes in how books are distributed and accessed by libraries, impacting the availability of diverse literature to the public.
