Baker & Taylor Aligns Operations to Support Community Learning/Education, Exiting Wholesale Book Distribution to Retailers Business

From a Baker & Taylor News Release:

Baker & Taylor today announced a shift in its business operations to align with the education focus of parent company Follett Corporation.  Baker & Taylor will expand its role with public libraries everywhere to deliver innovative literacy and learning solutions to community members.  As part of this strategic shift, Baker & Taylor will exit the distribution of wholesale books to retailers.

“Baker & Taylor’s public library business is critical to Follett’s goal of improving the quality of life in communities through learning and education,” said Pat Connolly, President and CEO, Follett Corporation.  “This shift for Baker & Taylor reflects our intent to focus all of Follett’s capabilities, resources and investments to helping people learn, grow and thrive in communities everywhere.”

[Clip] “Baker & Taylor Publisher Services is not impacted by this change and remains a cornerstone of Baker & Taylor’s future growth strategy.  Baker & Taylor’s subsidiary businesses in the U.K. and Mexico are also not affected by this change.  Baker & Taylor’s decision to exit the retail book distribution business follows Follett’s sale of Baker & Taylor’s retail entertainment products business in January of this year. “

Direct to Full Text of News Release

Filed under: Libraries, News, Public Libraries, Publishing