Baker & Taylor and Findaway World Launch Acoustik™ Audiobooks for the Axis 360 Digital Media Library

CHARLOTTE, N.C, Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker & Taylor, the world's largest distributor of digital and physical books and entertainment products, announced the launch of its innovative Acoustik audiobook service for the Axis 360 digital media platform, enabling library patrons to borrow and download digital audiobooks directly to their Apple and Android mobile devices. The free Acoustik audiobook app is powered by Findaway World, LLC, an innovative, industry leader in audiobook distribution.  

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Acoustik audiobooks provide Axis 360-enabled libraries with instant access to more than 25,000 new release and best-selling backlist audiobook titles, offering a diverse and extensive collection, as well as a simple and convenient way for patrons to download and listen on the go.

Baker & Taylor continues to innovate and broaden its digital services, enabling libraries to meet rising demand for electronic content in their communities, and to create easy-to-use systems for patrons who want to enjoy reading and listening on the devices that they carry with them every day.

"The addition of Acoustik audiobooks to Axis 360 is another major step in Baker & Taylor's ongoing mission to provide next-generation digital services to libraries, and to provide patrons with multiple formats on one user-friendly platform," says George Coe, President of Library & Education at Baker & Taylor. "To help libraries serve all the interests of their communities, we continue to innovate and expand our offerings. Our partnership with Findaway World introduces a new audiobook service to the market and ensures patrons have access to the content they want – whether they want to hear it or read it."

Acoustik audiobook titles are available now for Axis 360-enabled public, government and academic libraries to order and add to their existing digital collections on Axis 360.

"We are proud to partner with Baker & Taylor to introduce our digital download technology into the library space," said Mitch Kroll, co-founder and CEO of Findaway World. "We are energized that patrons can now access our comprehensive catalog of audiobooks on their own devices – whenever and wherever they want to listen."

The Acoustik audiobook app is free to download and available for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch through Apple's App Store and for Android Smartphones and tablet devices through Google Play (formerly Android Market). Acoustik audiobook apps for additional operating systems will be announced later this year.

About Baker & Taylor
Baker & Taylor, Inc. (www.baker-taylor.com) is the world's largest 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 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.

About Findaway World
Findaway World LLC, creators of Playaway®, Playaway View®, and Catalist Digital, is a private company based in Cleveland, Ohio dedicated to delivering simple and immediate access to digital content. To learn more about the company, its innovative products and Findawayers, visit www.findawayworld.com.

SOURCE Baker & Taylor, Inc.