What's Happening?
Ingram Library Services (ILS) has partnered with Backstage Library Works to improve the customization and delivery of shelf-ready books to library customers. This collaboration aims to expand ILS's processing capabilities by utilizing Backstage's expertise in cataloging and metadata. Under the partnership, purchased books and materials will be shipped to Backstage facilities in Provo, Utah, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where they will be inventoried, assigned machine-readable cataloging data, and packaged with customizable covers, labels, stamps, and tags. The finished materials will then be shipped to libraries, ready for circulation.
Why It's Important?
This partnership is crucial for ILS as it addresses the increased demand for library services following the collapse
of Baker & Taylor. By enhancing its processing capabilities, ILS can better serve its growing customer base, which has seen a significant rise in new account requests and order volumes. The collaboration with Backstage allows ILS to offer more efficient and tailored services to libraries, potentially improving the accessibility and organization of library collections. This development is also indicative of the broader trend in the library industry towards more streamlined and technology-driven operations.
What's Next?
Backstage Library Works is scaling up its operations to meet the needs of larger library systems, which may involve expanding existing facilities or opening new ones. As the partnership progresses, both companies will coordinate closely to maximize efficiency and service delivery. This collaboration is expected to set a new standard in library material processing, potentially influencing other vendors in the industry to adopt similar strategies.
