Library Technology Guides

Documents, Databases, News, and Commentary



DateEvent
Dec 7, 2022

Follett School Solutions acquires Access-It Software

Follett School Solutions has acquired Access-It Software, the global library management system provider with more than 4,000 customers in over 45 countries. The acquisition brings together two of the most complete and innovative solutions in the school library automation market.

Company: [Follett] [Access-It Software]

Feb 2, 2022

Follett Higher Education acquired by investment group led by Jefferson River Capital

Follett Corporation today announced the sale of its corporate entity as well as Follett Higher Education, the company's collegiate retail and Follett ACCESS business, to a group of private investors led by Jefferson River Capital a private investment company controlled by the James family.

Company: [Follett] [Follett Higher Education] [Jefferson River Capital]

Nov 2021

Investor group led by CEO Aman Kochar acquires Baker & Taylor from Follett Corporation

Follett Corporation announced a change in ownership today of its Baker & Taylor division. Baker & Taylor, the world's premier distributor of physical and digital books and services to public and academic libraries will now operate as an independent, privately-owned entity after a divestiture to a private investment group led by President and CEO Aman Kochar.

Company: [Follett] [Baker and Taylor]

Sep 1, 2021

Francisco Partners acquires Follett School Solutions

Follett Corporation sells Follett School Solutions, the company's K-12 software and content division, to Francisco Partners, a leading technology-focused global investment firm.

Company: [Follett] [Francisco Partners] [Follett School Solutions]

Sep 4, 2019

Britten Follett to lead its PreK-12 Business

Britten Follett to lead Follett School Solutions, the company's PreK-12 business. A fifth-generation family member, Follett has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Follett School Solutions. Follett most recently served as Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Classroom Initiatives for Follett School Solutions, the leading provider of integrated content and technology solutions to the PreK-12 education space.

Company: [Follett]

Dec 13, 2018

Follett acquires NextTier Education

Follett announced it has acquired NextTier Education, a cloud-based software solution that provides counselors, students, and parents with guidance, information and insight to help students achieve their postsecondary goals and ensure every student has equal access to higher education.

Company: [Follett]

Jan 2, 2018

Patrick E. Connolly named as President and CEO of Follett Corporation

Patrick E. Connolly to succeed Griffith as President and CEO, effective January 2, 2018

Company: [Follett]

Nov 16, 2016

Follett acquires Valore Inc.

Follett Corporation announced it has acquired Valore Inc. and the ValoreBooks marketplace solution for students and bookstores to buy, sell and rent college textbooks online. Combining the convenience of the ValoreBooks marketplace with the scope and capabilities of Follett will provide campus stores and students greater access to more affordable course material options.

Company: [Follett]

Apr 18, 2016

Follett acquires Baker and Taylor from Castle Harlan

Follett Corporation acquired Baker & Taylor, the leading distributor of books, video and music products to public libraries and institutions, and a major wholesaler to retailers worldwide. With combined sales of $3.6 billion, the two businesses will offer librarians, patrons, educators and students unprecedented access to the best curated physical and digital content wherever learning and reading take place in the community.

Company: [Follett]

Apr 15, 2016

Follett acquires Bookmasters

Follett Corporation acquired Bookmasters, one of the largest providers of integrated publisher services in the United States. Bookmasters is a strategic partner of Baker & Taylor, LLC, also acquired by Follett.

Company: [Follett]

Mar 30, 2016

Follett acquires Wobo

Follett Corporation acquired Wobo, Inc., formerly Woody's Books, Inc., a leading service for independent managed campus stores to find and purchase books online in volume. The acquisition includes Wobo, Inc. assets including the BookVolume tool, enabling Follett Wholesale to leverage new technology in transforming the Wholesale business.

Company: [Follett]

Feb 23, 2016

Follett acquires ClassBook

Follett acquired ClassBook, one of the K-12 education industry's leaders in customized online bookstores that serve schools, teachers, parents, and students. Founded in 1992 and based near Albany, N.Y.,ClassBook provides private and parochial schools with 24/7 bookstores, streamlining and personalizing the ordering and fulfillment process for print and digital textbooks.

Company: [Follett]

Oct 22, 2015

Nader Qaimari named to lead Follett School Solutions Business

Qaimari has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Follett Corporation, and General Manager, Follett School Solutions. He also has been named to Follett's Executive Committee.

Company: [Follett]

May 4, 2015

Follett appoints Ray A. Griffith as President and CEO

Follett Corporation announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Ray A. Griffith as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Mary Lee Schneider, who has retired from Follett as both President and Chief Executive Officer and Director.

Company: [Follett]

Apr 11, 2015

Follett acquires Nebraska Book Company's retail store division

Follett Corporation and Nebraska Book Company purchased Neebo, Nebraska Book Company's retail store division. The agreement adds more than 200 complementary campus retail stores to Follett's portfolio, making Follett the operator of more than 1,150 local campus stores and 1,600 virtual stores across North America. For Nebraska Book Company, the agreement underscores its full commitment of resources to providing textbooks, strategic services and technology products to independent college retailers nationwide.

Company: [Follett]

Feb 2, 2015

Follett acquires Advanced-Online

Follett acquired Advanced-Online, a leading ecommerce provider of branded merchandise store programs for education and corporate customers. Advanced-Online expands Follett’s portfolio of campus store services and solutions and complements the company’s extensive ecommerce capabilities.

Company: [Follett]

Feb 2, 2015

Follett acquires Advanced-Online

Follett acquired Advanced-Online, a leading ecommerce provider of branded merchandise store programs for education and corporate customers. Advanced-Online expands Follett's portfolio of campus store services and solutions and complements the company's extensive ecommerce capabilities.

Company: [Follett] [Follett Higher Education]

Apr 2014

Follett School Solutions, Inc. formed by merging Follett Educational Services, Follett Library Resources and Follett Software Company

In April 2014, Follett's PreK-12 businesses became one legal entity - Follett School Solutions, Inc. The new entity simplifies the customer experience and enhances Follett's offerings by integrating the content, technology, and services previously offered by three separate businesses: Follett Educational Services, Follett Library Resources and Follett Software Company.

Company: [Follett]

Apr 2014

Follett Educational Services, Follett Library Resources and Follett Software Company merged to form Follett School Solutions

Company: [Follett] [Follett School Solutions]

Mar 2014

Follett Corporation and Follett Higher Education relocate to Three Westbrook Corporate Center

In March 2014, approximately 750 employees from the Company's corporate office and higher education businesses at Chicago-area suburban operations in Oak Brook, Westmont and River Grove relocated to Three Westbrook Corporate Center, a 160,000 square-foot tower in Westchester, IL.

Company: [Follett] [Follett Higher Education]

Jan 27, 2014

Todd Litzsinger named chairman of the Board of Directors for Follett Corporation

Litzsinger joined Follett in 1992 and has served on the Board since 2003. He has held a series of increasingly responsible leadership positions with the Company, most recently President of Content Solutions and Services for Follett School Solutions, the Company's PreK-12 business. Litzsinger's career with Follett includes roles in the Company's PreK-12 school and library market, including President of Follett Library Resources, President of Follett Educational Services, President of BWI, and National Sales Director for Custom Academic Publishing Company (CAPCO), a joint venture with BMI Systems. Prior to Follett, he worked for Jostens, the school yearbook and ring company.

Company: [Follett]

Sep 5, 2013

Follett sells BWI assetts to Baker & Taylor

Follett Corporation and Baker & Taylor announced the sale of certain assets of Book Wholesalers, Inc., to Baker & Taylor. BWI is a Follett Corporation company that specializes in providing children's and young adult books and audiovisual materials to public libraries. This transaction is the result of a strategic decision by the Follett School & Library Group to concentrate on the PreK-12 market. For Follett, Baker & Taylor's already powerful public library offerings made it the best choice to acquire these BWI assets.

Company: [Follett]

Jul 20, 2013

Death of Alison O'Hara Barasa, Follett Corporation board chair, President, and CEO

Company: [Follett]

Apr 8, 2013

Follett Corporation acquires BetterKnow

Follett Corporation acquired BetterKnow, Inc. a provider of tools and technology to the higher education marketplace. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. BetterKnow's products, combined with Follett's footprint on more than 1,000 college and university campuses in North America, will provide instructors and students broader, more affordable access to course materials

Company: [Follett]

Nov 2012

Mary Lee Schneider elected President and Chief Executive Officer of Follett Corporation

Schneider is an 11-year veteran on the Follett Board of Directors. She is widely recognized as a digital innovator and a visionary leader – a result of her extensive experience in digital publishing and leadership positions. Schneider comes to Follett from Chicago-based RR Donnelley, where she recently was President, Digital Solutions and Chief Technology Officer. [From company Web page]

Company: [Follett]

Jan 2012

Chuck Follett retires as President and CEO of Follett Corporation

Chuck Follett, President and CEO of Follett Corporation, announced his decision to retire after 38 years of service with the company. Follett served as President of Follett Technology Solutions and International Group. Between 2000 and 2005, he served as Executive Vice President of Follett Library and School Group and Vice President of Technology for Follett Corporation. In 1985, Mr. Follett founded Follett Software Company and served for the next 15 years as its President.

Company: [Follett]

Nov 2011

Follett Higher Education Group builds new distribution center in Aurora, IL

Follett Higher Education Group, the leading provider of college store and used book services, today announced its investment in a new distribution center in Aurora, Ill. that will enable the company to continue to grow its business and lead the industry. The 551,200-square-foot structure will increase Follett's processing productivity to make more books available for wholesale and direct-to-consumer orders. The facility was located at 2805 Duke Pkwy, Aurora, IL 60569.

Company: [Follett] [Follett Higher Education]

Apr 2011

Alison O’Hara was named Chairman of the Board of Follett Corporation

In April 2011, Alison O’Hara was named Chairman of the Board. Prior to becoming Chairman, she served as Assistant General Counsel of Follett and was a member of the company’s Board of Directors for 11 years. Under O’Hara’s direction, the Board is undergoing another transformation, bringing in outside directors that bring the expertise to lead Follett into the digital future.

Company: [Follett]

Oct 4, 2010

Follett Software Company acquires X2 Development Corporation

Follett Software Company announced that it has acquired X2 Development Corporation, a leading Student Information System provider for K-12 school districts in the United States and abroad. The acquisition includes the Aspen Student Information System, a popular Web-based solution that simplifies school district data management through the integration of key K-12 applications. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Company: [Follett] [X2 Development Corporation]

Jun 2010

Chuck Follett becomes Chief Executive officer of Follett Corporation

Company: [Follett]

Mar 24, 2008

Follett Corporation acquires Fourteen40 Inc, including social networking solution CafeScribe

Follett Corporation today announced the acquisition of technology firm Fourteen40 Inc., an innovator of Web 2.0 social networking for collaborative learning. The acquisition includes Fourteen40's social networking solution called CafeScribe (http://www.CafeScribe.com), an online site at which students can browse, purchase and download eBooks that they need for class. Once the eBook is downloaded, the students use a digital content reader called MyScribe to easily read and annotate the eBook, search the Internet and share notes with others as they study. The social networking tools within CafeScribe give students the option to invite others into the virtual equivalent of study groups. CaféScribe is an e-book marketplace and social network for students to study smarter and faster. The CaféScribe.com website and MyScribe client reading application are creations of Fourteen40, Inc. Fourteen40 derives its name from the year 1440 when Gutenberg invented the printing press. Gutenberg's invention ushered in a new age of learning and discovery. Today, Fourteen40 is taking electronic books to the next level through the power of collaborative note sharing networks, innovative content indexing tools, and the most intuitive reading interface in the market.

Company: [Follett] [Fourteen40]

Feb 25, 2008

Follett Corporation acquires Varsity Group Inc.

Varsity Group, a provider of online textbook sales and services to educational institutions nationwide, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with a subsidiary of Follett Corporation, the nation's largest provider of library materials and library technology to K-12 schools, the leading operator of college bookstores and a major distributor of textbooks to institutions at all levels of education. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Follett will acquire all outstanding shares of Varsity Group for $0.20 per share in cash.

Company: [Follett] [Follett Higher Education]

Aug 26, 2006

Follett acquires TetraData Corporation

Follett Software Company acquired TetraData Corporation. TetraData is the premier provider of data warehousing, analysis and reporting solutions for K-12 school districts. TetraData solutions, which are installed in more than 300 school districts nationwide, facilitate No Child Left Behind reporting as well as data driven decision making to help educators achieve high performance and improved student outcomes.

Company: [Follett]

Jul 27, 2006

Follett Software Company acquires library automation division of Sagebrush Corporation

Follett Software Company purchased the automation division of Sagebrush Corporation, taking ownership of its line of products including InfoCentre, Winnebago Spectrum, Athena, and Accent. The sale does not include the former Sagebrush Corporations business activities related to book publishing, library services, and the Viewpoint product.

Company: [Follett School Solutions] [Follett]

Jun 2006

Follett Corporation acquires Sagebrush Corporation

Follett Corporation acquires Sagebrush Corporation. The newly formed separate company was not part of the sale.

Company: [Follett] [Sagebrush Corporation]

Jun 2006

Sagebrush spins off Sagebrush Educational Resources as a separate company

Sagebrush reorganizes, separating Sagebrush Educational Resources activities including Sagebrush books and Library Services into a new company.

Company: [Sagebrush Corporation] [Follett]

Oct 2005

Sagebrush releases InfoCentre

Sagebrush releases InfoCentre, its next-generation library automation system.

Company: [Sagebrush Corporation] [Follett School Solutions] [Follett]

Jun 2003

Follett sells interest in Library Systems and Services to company founders

Company: [Library Systems and Services] [Follett]

May 2003

Follett Media Distribution merged with BWI

Follett Library and School Group Follett Media Distributio, a distributor of video, DVD, CD-ROM, audiobooks, and compact discs, with BWI, a distributor of children's and young adult book titles.

Company: [Follett]

Jan 1, 2003

Follett Software Company launches Destiny

Follett Software Company launches Destiny library management system.

Company: [Follett Software Company] [Follett Library Solutions]

Apr 2001

Mark Litzsinger elected Chairman of Follett Corporation

In April 2001, Ken Hull retired and Mark Litzsinger was elected Chairman of Follett Corporation.

Company: [Follett]

Nov 18, 2000

Christopher Traut named Chief Executive Officer of Follett Corporation

Christopher Traut, a fourth-generation Follett family member becomes CEO of Follett Corporation. Christopher Traut will succeed Kenneth J. Hull as Chief Executive Officer of Follett Corporation. Chris will report directly to the Board and have full responsibility for managing the strategic direction and financial results of Follett Corporation. In addition, he will oversee the corporate office including finance, legal, human resources, technology and family and shareholder relations.

Company: [Follett]

Aug 1999

Sagebrush Technologies acquires Winnebago Software Company

Sagebrush Technologies announces it will acquire Winnebago Software Company. Jeb Griffith exits. Sagebrush now employs 600 with $75 million revenue.

Company: [Winnebago Software Company] [Sagebrush Corporation] [Follett]

1999

Follett Media Distribution established

The division will be led by William N. Frank as President

Company: [Follett]

1999

Launch of efollett.com, an Internet-based textbook sales site

Company: [Follett] [Follett Higher Education]

Sep 1998

Sagebrush acquires Nichols Advanced Technologies

Sagebrush acquires Nichols Advanced Technologies from Bruce Butler.

Company: [Nichols Advanced Technologies] [Sagebrush Corporation] [Follett]

Apr 1, 1998

Follett Corporation creates Custom Publishing Division

Follett Corporation acquired Custom Academic Publishing Company (CAPCO), a nationwide publisher of custom course anthologies and manager of intellectual property. Now known as Follett Custom Publishing, the wholly owned subsidiary will reside under the Follett Higher Education Group.

Company: [Follett]

Apr 1, 1998

Follett Corporation acquires Custom Academic Publishing Company

Follett Corporation acquired Custom Academic Publishing Company (CAPCO), a nationwide publisher of custom course anthologies and manager of intellectual property. Now known as Follett Custom Publishing, the wholly owned subsidiary will reside under the Follett Higher Education Group.

Company: [Follett]

Feb 1998

Sagebrush merges with American Companies

Sagebrush merges with American Companies, including Econo-Clad Books and the American Bindery Company. Dick Tinder, President of American Companies, becomes a VP of Sagebrush. American Bindery Company is sold to Information Conservation Inc.

Company: [American Companies] [Sagebrush Corporation] [Follett]

Jan 1, 1998

Thomas J. Schenck named president of Follett Software Company.

Thomas J. Schenck named president of Follett Software Company.

Company: [Follett] [Follett School Solutions]

Jan 1, 1998

Follett releases Windows versions of Circulation Plus, Catalog Plus, and Alliance Plus.

Follett releases Windows versions of Circulation Plus, Catalog Plus, and Alliance Plus.

Company: [Follett]

Sep 1997

Nichols Advanced Technologies acquires Scribe

Nichols Advanced Technologies acquires Scribe and its Media One and Innovation Plus library automation systems for schools. Kurt Parks was president of Scribe.

Company: [Scribe] [Nichols Advanced Technologies] [Follett]

1997

Follett acquires Book Wholesalers, Inc. (BWI) which distributes children's books to public libraries

Company: [Follett]

1997

TetraData Corporation Founded

Peter Waldschmidt and John Greene and founded TetraData Corporation in 1997. Waldschmidt served as its Chief Technology Officer.

Company: [Follett]

1997

Ken Hull becomes President and CEO of Follett Corporation

Ken Hull became the company's first non-family CEO

Company: [Follett]

1997

Follett Library Resources moves to new facility in McHenry, IL

In November 1997, Follett Library Resources growth required a new state of the art facility that was built at 1340 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry, Illinois.

Company: [Follett] [Follett Library Resources]

Nov 1996

Follett Corporation acquires half interest in LSSI

From managing electronic resources, to streamlining daily functions such as cataloging and processing, today's libraries are seeking new, cost-effective management solutions. Library Systems & Services and The Follett Corporation have joined forces to give library administrators a single point of contact for solutions to these pressing issues.

Company: [Library Systems and Services] [Follett]

Jan 1, 1994

Follett Software Company moves into new headquarters in McHenry, IL

Follett Software Company moves into new headquarters in McHenry, IL for its 275 employees.

Company: [Follett]

1994

Follett Library Book Company renamed Follett Library Resources

Follett Library Book Company became Follett Library Resources to reflect the expanding realm of products and services available to its customers

Company: [Follett] [Follett Library Resources]

Jan 1, 1994

Sagebrush acquires Catalog Card Company

Sagebrush acquires 100% of Catalog Card Company from NCS for $2.35 million. Catalog Card Company operates under the name Library Services Company

Company: [Sagebrush Corporation] [Follett] [Catalog Card Company]

Jan 1, 1993

Nichols Advanced Technologies announce Windows based Athena

Nichols Advanced Technologies Inc. today announced Athena, a library automation system with a graphical user interface for Windows, Macintosh and MS-DOS networks. Athena provides circulating, searching (OPAC), full MARC cataloging and related functions.

Company: [Nichols Advanced Technologies] [Sagabrush Corporation] [Follett]

Jun 1985

Follett acquires Library Software Company

Follett acquires Library Software Company from Bob Skapura and Joe Ward

Company: [Follett] [Library Software Company]

Jan 1, 1985

Follett Software Company founded

Follett Software Company founded by Chuck Follett

Company: [Follett] [Follett School Solutions]

1985

Follett acquires chain of 35 college bookstores

Date approximate

Company: [Follett] [Follett Higher Education]

Jan 1, 1983

Nichols Advanced Technologies founded by Bruce Butler.

Initial product is MOLLI

Company: [Follett School Solutions] [Nichold Advanced Technologies] [Follett]

1983

Esquire Education Group acquires Follett Publishing Company

Follett Publishing Company was sold for $10 million

Company: [Follett] [Esquire Education Group]

Jan 1, 1982

Winnebago Software Company founded by George B. (Jeb) Griffith

Company: [Follett School Solutions] [Winnebago Software Company] [Follett]

1979

RJR Follett named Chair of Follett Corporation board of directors

Company: [Follett]

1977

Dick Litzsinger named President and CEO of Follett Corporation

Dick Litzsinger was named president and CEO in 1977. Dick Litzsinger was married to Dona Follett, daughter of Robert Follett.

Company: [Follett]

1974

Follett Library Book Company and its bindery relocated to combined at a facility in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Since its founding, Follett Library Book Company office was located on 1000 West Washington Boulevard in Chicago with the other Follett businesses. The company had a bindery located in Batavia, Illinois. In 1974 both the bindery and the company were combined at a facility at 4506 Northwest Hwy. Crystal Lake, IL

Company: [Follett] [Follett Library Resources]

Jan 1, 1964

American Companies, later Econo-clad books and American Bindery, founded by Richard Crawford.

Company: [Follett] [Sagebrush Corporation]

1964

Follett Educational Foundation established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Company: [Follett Educational Foundation]

1957

Wilcox & Follett reincorporated as Follett Corporation

Company: [Follett]

1952

Dwight Follett becomes chairman of Follett

Company: [Follett]

1940

Garth Follett created Follett Library Book Company

Company: [Follett]

1930

Robert D. Follett founds the Follett College Book Company

In 1930, R.D. Follett founded the Follett College Book Company and began wholesaling used textbooks to professors and college bookstores.

Company: [Follett]

1925

Dwight Follett founds the Follett Publishing Company

Company: [Follett]

1923

Charles W. Follett and Edythe Follet purchase J.W. Wilcox & Follett Company

Upon the death of John Wilcox in 1923, Charles W. Follett and his wife Edythe Follett purchased full ownership of the company, which continued to operate under the name Wilcox & Follett.

Company: [Follett]

1918

Charles W. Follett becomes manager of J.W. Wilcox & Follett Company

Company: [Follett]

1901

Charles W. Follett joins C.M. Barnes & Company as a clerk

Company: [Follett]

1873

Predecessor of Follett Corporation founded in 1873 by Charles M. Barnes as a used book store in Wheaton, Illinois

Company: [Follett]