The library’s primary book wholesaler for decades, Baker & Taylor, unexpectedly announced this week that it is swiftly ceasing operations. As the largest distributor of books to libraries and schools, it has provided discounts and library-specific, money-saving purchasing and cataloging tools, and its closing brings a number of changes for the near future. The library is actively working to minimize any effect to our patrons. However, many of our recent orders have already been delayed or cancelled, creating gaps and delays in adding new releases and trending titles, not only for our library, but for libraries across central Illinois and the country.
We've begun transitioning to new wholesalers and vendors, which are inundated with new library customers. We expect supply issues for books nationally, as thousands of libraries across the country look to fill the gap and increase demand on inventories. As a library patron, you may notice fewer titles added to our catalog for a while, delayed new releases in library collections, and increased wait times on new and popular titles in RSACat.
Currently, Baker & Taylor's Boundless platform remains intact, although additional content currently cannot be purchased for the eRead Illinois digital collection. RAILS has informed us that it will be transitioning the eRead Illinois digital collection away from Boundless to an alternative platform. We’ll share more about next steps as we learn more.
This is a large and disruptive change in the library and book industries. We understand this may be frustrating for you, and we feel that way, too. Like you, we are looking forward to long-awaited titles and receiving regular deliveries of new releases! Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we and other libraries navigate this change.