Baker & Taylor and Findaway World Partner to Provide Audio Content in Retail and Public Library Markets

CLEVELAND and CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker & Taylor, the world's largest distributor of digital and physical books and entertainment products, and Findaway World, LLC (Findaway), the creators of Playaway®, Playaway View®, and Catalist Digital™, today announce their plans to launch a robust digital audiobook platform for public libraries and retailers later this year.

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The partnership leverages Findaway's extensive digital audiobook catalog and existing Catalist Digital platform with Baker & Taylor's innovative Axis 360 digital media platform to create the most seamless mobile listening experience available for libraries, patrons, and consumers—from audiobook selection to download.

"Our partnership with Baker & Taylor furthers our mission of simplifying access to digital content, and just as importantly, underscores our ongoing commitment to serving public libraries and their changing needs," said Mitch Kroll, co-founder and CEO of Findaway.

Libraries can look forward to a new alternative in digital content delivery that focuses on ease-of-use, digital and physical collection development, and the ability for administrators to manage digital content at an individual or group level. George Coe, President of Baker & Taylor Library & Education, adds, "The expansion of Axis 360 will provide the strongest digital media platform to libraries worldwide, enabling patrons to consume digital content wherever they are, whenever they want."

Not only will this partnership directly affect library patrons' listening experience, it will also provide immediate benefits for the world of retail. David Cully, President of Baker & Taylor Retail Markets and Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Digital Media Services, explains, "This joint venture complements our current eBook offering beautifully. Consumers will now be able to access digital audio content quickly, easily, and effectively on tablets, smart phones, laptops, or their device of choice."

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, 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.