Libraries

Libraries, Baker & Taylor, and the Path for Indie Authors to Reach Readers

Libraries have long served as intellectual sanctuaries—places where knowledge is preserved, shared, and democratized. They are cornerstones of local communities, offering free access to books, digital resources, research databases, and public programming. Yet behind every book on a library’s shelf is a structured system of acquisition, cataloging, and circulation. One of the largest players in this ecosystem is Baker & Taylor, a company that acts as an intermediary between publishers and libraries. For self-published authors, understanding how Baker & Taylor works and how libraries operate can unlock new doors to visibility, revenue, and long-term readership.

A Brief History of Baker & Taylor

Founded in 1828, Baker & Taylor began as a small book retailer and evolved into one of the most influential wholesale distributors in the United States. Initially catering to general bookstores, the company eventually pivoted to focus almost entirely on libraries and educational institutions. Over the decades, it has developed deep-rooted relationships with public library systems, academic libraries, and school districts.

In 2016, Baker & Taylor was acquired by Follett Corporation, and in 2021 it returned to independence under new ownership. Its core offerings include physical book distribution, cataloging and processing services, and digital content via partnerships with platforms like Axis 360. Baker & Taylor provides libraries with a streamlined way to procure books, eBooks, audiobooks, DVDs, and educational materials—making it a vital link between authors and the public.

How Libraries Order and Stock Books

Libraries acquire books in multiple ways:

1. Through wholesalers like Baker & Taylor or Ingram Library Services

2. Via standing orders and approval plans tailored to a library’s interests

3. Based on patron requests

4. Through direct purchases from publishers or specialized vendors

When a new title is published, the library’s acquisitions team considers reviews (such as those from Booklist, Kirkus, or Library Journal), patron demand, awards, and relevance to community programming. If the book aligns with their collection goals, the team may place an order.

Once a title is selected, it’s entered into the library’s cataloging system, often using MARC records. These metadata-rich records include the book’s title, author, subject headings, ISBN, Dewey Decimal classification, and more. Physical books are labeled with barcodes and spine labels before hitting the shelves. Digital versions are added to e-lending platforms like OverDrive or Baker & Taylor’s Axis 360.

Baker & Taylor’s Process: From Publisher to Shelf

Libraries using Baker & Taylor’s TitleSource or TS360 platform can browse a massive catalog of books, filter by topic or format, and purchase titles directly. The process generally follows these steps:

1. Publishers or distributors list their books on Baker & Taylor, providing complete metadata (title, author, ISBN, cover art, BISAC categories, and price).

2. Libraries search this database to make purchasing decisions based on availability, pricing, and interest.

3. Orders are processed and fulfilled through centralized warehouses.

4. For physical books, Baker & Taylor may apply library-ready labeling and binding services.

5. For eBooks and audiobooks, libraries access digital files via Axis 360 or partner platforms.

Inclusion in the Baker & Taylor system can be managed either directly (if the publisher is large enough) or through distribution partners like IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, or PublishDrive.

How Self-Published Authors Can Get Their Books into Libraries

Traditionally, self-published authors struggled to access library systems due to the lack of distribution infrastructure and the perception of lower quality. However, with today’s publishing platforms, it’s possible for indie authors to reach libraries if they follow specific steps:

1. Use a reputable distributor:

   • IngramSpark and Draft2Digital distribute to Baker & Taylor.

   • PublishDrive offers connections to library platforms like OverDrive and Hoopla.

   • Authors Republic distributes audiobooks to library channels.

2. Price appropriately:

   • Libraries expect discounts of 40–55% off the retail price.

   • Set your list price high enough (e.g., $14.99–$19.99 for paperbacks) to absorb this discount and still make a profit.

   • Offer a “library-friendly” eBook license, typically priced at $20–$30 for perpetual access or $1.99–$3.99 for metered lending models.

3. Make the book library-ready:

   • Use a professional cover and formatting.

   • Obtain an ISBN (separate ones for each format).

   • Provide complete metadata (more on this below).

   • Submit the book for review at services like Library Journal’s Self-e program or IndieReader.

4. Reach out to local libraries directly:

   • Offer a copy and request they consider it for circulation.

   • Be sure to mention availability through Baker & Taylor or Ingram.

Pricing and Discount Strategy

Libraries are budget-conscious and expect wholesale discounts. Here's how to optimize pricing for library acquisition:

• eBooks: Libraries often pay more than consumers. Price at $24.99–$39.99 for perpetual access (especially if distributed through platforms like OverDrive or Axis 360). Consider offering metered access options (e.g., 26 checkouts or 2 years).

• Paperbacks: A $14.99 list price allows a 55% wholesale discount, bringing the library’s cost to around $6.75—viable for bulk ordering.

• Large Print: These are typically priced $2–$5 higher than standard print to cover the extra page count and printing costs.

• Hardcovers: Libraries prefer hardcover editions for longevity. A $24.99–$29.99 list price is common.

• Audiobooks: Digital versions can be priced similarly to eBooks or higher, often $25–$50 depending on licensing models.

Metadata: The Backbone of Library Distribution

Metadata isn’t just useful—it’s essential. Without the right metadata, libraries can’t find or order your book, even if it’s listed with Baker & Taylor.

Must-have metadata includes:

• ISBN (International Standard Book Number): One per format

• Title, subtitle, and author name

• BISAC codes (categorize the book by genre/topic)

• Book description (short and long)

• Keywords and tags

• Trim size, page count, and format (paperback, hardcover, etc.)

• Cover image (minimum 300 dpi, JPEG or TIFF)

• Publication date and publisher name (even if self-publishing, create a publisher imprint)

• Pricing and discount schedule

• Availability (mark the book as returnable to increase its chances of being stocked)

To maximize discoverability, tailor your metadata with library search habits in mind. Use subject keywords relevant to public interest (e.g., “climate fiction,” “Black historical romance,” or “mental health memoir”) and match standard cataloging terminology.

How Self-Published Authors Are Paid

Royalties flow through whichever distributor the author uses. Here’s how payments generally work:

• If distributed through IngramSpark, authors receive royalties after Baker & Taylor takes its cut and Ingram applies the wholesale discount.

• For eBooks distributed via Draft2Digital or PublishDrive to library platforms, the author earns either:

  • A one-time royalty per checkout (metered model)

  • A higher payout for a perpetual license sale

• Audiobook royalties vary but are often 35–50% of the library sale price

Payments are typically delayed by 30–90 days, depending on the distributor’s terms.

Formats: What Libraries Prefer

Libraries serve diverse patrons with different reading needs, so offering multiple formats improves your chances:

• eBooks: Convenient, high-demand. Essential for reaching digital-first patrons.

• Paperbacks: Common, lower cost, but less durable.

• Large Print Paperbacks: Increasingly important for older readers or those with vision challenges.

• Hardcovers: Preferred for durability in circulating collections.

• Audiobooks: Popular across demographics; digital format is preferred over CDs.

If you only release in one format, prioritize eBook and paperback first. Adding a hardcover or audio edition later can extend your reach.

Final Thoughts

For self-published authors, libraries are both a revenue source and a long-term brand-building opportunity. Understanding how Baker & Taylor connects publishers with libraries—and how to make your book attractive to those systems—can dramatically expand your readership. Though the process requires planning, professional presentation, and smart pricing, the payoff is significant: a place in one of the world’s most trusted and enduring institutions for literacy and learning.