The Library is in the process of transitioning to new book distributors following the unexpected shutdown of Baker & Taylor, one of the nation’s largest library book suppliers.
For years, Baker & Taylor served as the primary distributor for FCL and for many libraries across the country, providing the books and other materials that make up our collections.
What This Means for FCL
In early October, we learned that Baker & Taylor would cease operations immediately, leaving nearly 2,000 Library orders unfulfilled after months of delays and cancellations.
Since learning about the shutdown, our staff have been busy establishing new vendors and learning new ordering and cataloging processes. We’re working hard to get everything back on track and expect service to return to normal in the coming months.
How This Affects Patrons
You may notice:
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Longer wait times for certain newly published books to appear on Library shelves.
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Delays in holds for items listed as “on-order” in the Library’s catalog.
We expect these impacts to continue for the next two months as we finalize our transition to new vendors and reprocess orders for cancelled items.
Checking if Your Hold Is for an “On-Order” Item
If you’re waiting on a hold, you can check whether the title you requested is listed as “on-order” in your FCL account. This means the item has been ordered and can be placed on hold, but it hasn’t yet arrived at the Library.
Watch the short tutorial videos below to learn how to see if your hold is on an “on-order” title:
Thank You for Your Patience
We appreciate your understanding as we work through this industry-wide change. We are focused on minimizing delays and ensuring we continue to offer up-to-date collections for our community.
If you have questions about a specific hold or need help checking the status of an “on-order” item, please contact us:
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Email: contact@farmlib.org
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Phone: (248) 553-0300