CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 19, 2014. Baker and Taylor, the premier worldwide distributor of digital and print books and entertainment products, announced today that it has integrated its Axis 360 digital media library platform with Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Inc.'s flagship Learning Management System, giving K-12 students and instructors quick access to digital library materials.
The integration gives students and educators an easy way to discover and borrow digital library ebooks and audiobooks from Axis 360 from within Blackboard Learn.
"Integrating the Axis 360 digital media platform into Blackboard Learn will help smooth the delivery of digital materials into classrooms across the country," said George Coe, President and CEO of Baker & Taylor. "This is an important and fast-growing area. Baker & Taylor and Blackboard recognize the need to stay ahead of technological changes and to offer schools a broad array of materials in formats that students and teachers are demanding."
"We believe that accessible, interactive digital content is a core component of online instruction for K-12 and that it can help create a more immersive, engaging learning experience for young people," said Mark Belles, senior vice president, K-12, Blackboard. "We are excited to partner with Baker & Taylor to make it easy for teachers to find and integrate ebooks and audiobooks into their classrooms, and for students to check out and consume them within their learning environment."
Axis 360 gives students the ability to easily borrow and read ebooks in electronic formats that are directly downloaded to computers and mobile devices. Axis 360 works with PCs and Macintosh computers as well as mobile Apple iOS and Android devices, including smartphones and tablets. eBooks on Axis 360 are also available for use with the Blio ereader, the multi function reading application that includes embedded tools such as notetaking and highlighting, online reference source linking, font controls and read-aloud functionality. Blio also offers accessibility features, making it the best available ebook reading experience for students with reading disabilities or sight impairment. In addition to ebooks, Axis 360 offers digital audiobooks for student borrowing.
About Baker and Taylor
Baker & Taylor, Inc. is the premier worldwide distributor of books, digital content and entertainment products. The company offers cutting—edge digital media services and innovative technology platforms to thousands of publishers, libraries, schools and retailers worldwide. Baker & Taylor also offers industry—leading customized library services and retail merchandising solutions. Charlotte, N.C. based Baker & Taylor is majority owned by Castle Harlan Partners IV, L.P., an institutional private equity fund managed by Castle Harlan, Inc., a leading private equity investment firm.
