ALA Annual 2011: B&T, B&N Strike Deal to Promote Ebook Sales, Lending
By David Rapp June 24, 2011Barnes & Noble and Baker & Taylor (B&T) announced a new partnership that'll allow the electronic and print book distributor to include links on its Axis 360 digital content platform to the book retailer's online store to allow patron purchasing of digital and print products.
Starting this fall, Nook-compatible EPUB ebooks will also be available for e-lending through the recently announced B&T platform.
The partnership also aims to "build awareness" among owners of the Barnes & Noble Nook ereader that ebooks are available for loan at local libraries. No further details were provided in the initial announcement, however, and it remains unclear to what extent Barnes & Noble customers will be made aware of lending options.
B&T yesterday announced its long-awaited Axis 360 combined print and electronic platform, which, among other features, will showcase content for patrons on what B&T calls a "Magic Wall," and link with the interactive e-reading software Blio. More Axis 360 features, including spoken-word audio titles and patron reviews and ratings, will be available in the fall along with the lendable EPUB ebooks.
LJ will provide updates as more details become available.
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