Charlotte, NC -- March 21, 2024. Baker & Taylor, the leading library books, services and software supplier, and Library Ideas, an innovative media publisher, announce a comprehensive distribution partnership for the innovative VOX and IR Books read-along product line for libraries and schools.
VOX Books are hardcover picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction books that include a permanently attached reader preloaded with high-quality narration. This combination of print book and audio book allows the user to listen as they read along, helping them engage with books and develop the literacy skills needed for success in school and in life.
The agreement between Baker & Taylor and Library Ideas will streamline ordering for libraries and K12 schools to source VOX Books worldwide. Baker & Taylor will offer full library processing services and provide sales and marketing support to Library Ideas' sales and customer service team. Baker & Taylor will be the sole source for VOX Books, handling all order fulfillment, enabling customers to use their state-of-the-art ordering system, Title Source 360, and leading processing and library workflow solutions. VOX Books orders will ship from Baker & Taylor facilities, utilizing economies of scale in warehousing and shipping. Library Ideas will continue managing sales, customer support, licensing, and publisher relations. VOX Books will be live in Title Source 360 this Spring.
"What the Library Ideas team has developed with VOX Books aligns perfectly with Baker & Taylor's values of inspiring literacy and learning. I am thrilled to partner with an innovative company with a high-impact product like VOX Books. We are excited to pair the expertise of our industry-leading library workflow solutions with Library Ideas," explained B&T President and Group CEO Aman Kochar.
"It's always our goal to make doing business with us as easy as possible. This agreement moves that goal forward. It's very exciting to have found a partner who is so library-centric," said Brian Downing, CEO of Library Ideas.
Leading library systems have also noted the benefits this partnership will bring.
Kelvin Watson, Executive Director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, explained, "Connecting our community, particularly those often underserved, with unique and engaging literacy tools is extremely important. Achieving that goal is made easier with a product like VOX Books. Coupled with the efficiencies Baker & Taylor brings, the impact of VOX Books within our system will be even greater."
Wendy Crutcher, Library Administrator for Technical Services at LA County Library noted, "LA County is excited about this new partnership. Being able to leverage Baker & Taylor's Title Source 360 platform and transmitting orders through EDI creates efficiencies and will speed up the process of getting exciting new VOX Books titles into the hands of our community."
Emily Miller, Acquisitions, Media & Teen Collection Development Librarian at Jefferson County Public Library, shared, "What a great partnership! This will make our library's collection development, acquisitions, and receiving processes flow more smoothly now that we will be able to easily build a cart of VOX Books in TS 360, download the orders into our ILS, send the order electronically, and receive electronic invoices. Thank you for helping to make our workflow more efficient!"
Librarians can learn more about this partnership by visiting both companies (booths 1906 and 2114) at the Public Library Association (PLA) conference in Columbus, OH, April 3-5.
About Baker & Taylor
Founded in 1828, Baker & Taylor has a storied history serving libraries. As a leading supplier, the company is well known and trusted for carrying the materials customers need while innovating and bringing unique digital and analytics products to libraries worldwide. Backed by comprehensive logistics and unparalleled customer support, Baker & Taylor empowers libraries to enrich their collections, engage patrons, and nurture literacy and lifelong learning. Discover more at www.baker-taylor.com.
About Library Ideas
Library Ideas, established in 2008, stands as a leader in delivering cutting-edge learning solutions to libraries and schools worldwide. With a presence in over 20 countries and a customer base exceeding 5,000 institutions, the company is dedicated to empowering libraries with innovative tools that transcend traditional boundaries. Library Ideas is a Virginia based company.
