Support for Indie Authors discussion

Does anyone out there understand the library ordering system? More specifically:

1. In the UK, where do most libraries order from? Who are their typical suppliers?
2. Is it possible for an indie author to get on their supplier list?
3. Same questions for the US.
4. Same questions for Canada.

Thanks!

I don't know about "most" libraries, but in Canada the library systems I am aware of are:

Library Bound for ordering print books (my local library asked me to get my titles listed there before they would order them. Helps them with cataloguing I think).

Overdrive is popular among libraries here for e-book lending.

In the UK, Askews book sellers and Peters Book Sellers seem to be
the major library suppliers.

Check them out on the internet. Your local Library will be able to give you the information too.

In the US try the Library Journal's Self-E program. Apparently if an indie is approved, libraries can order it through something called BiblioBoard.

Great Information, thanks.

Thanks! I know that there is more, but this is a good starting place. Also, does anyone know what a " Library Quality MARC" is? How does one go about getting this done? Where is this information stored?

The library world is confusing. hahaha

Dylan wrote: "Does anyone out there understand the library ordering system? More specifically:
...
3. Same questions for the US.
.."

Based on my conversations with librarians, most of them will order books only if listed or reviewed in Library Journal. They will accept donations of self-published books, but those books don't always make it onto the bookshelves.

C.A. wrote: "In the US try the Library Journal's Self-E program. Apparently if an indie is approved, libraries can order it through something called BiblioBoard."

Note that the author doesn't make any money for books through Biblioboard. I have a free short story in their catalog, so it wasn't any loss for me, but most libraries are perfectly happy with Overdrive. That could explain why I keep getting e-mails from Biblioboard telling me how I can "sell" their system to libraries :)

Dylan wrote: "Does anyone out there understand the library ordering system? More specifically:

1. In the UK, where do most libraries order from? Who are their typical suppliers?
2. Is it possible for an indie a..."

Are you talking ebook or print book? There are huge differences in how libraries do/can acquire.

I think local authorities order separately. West Dunbartonshire, for example. ordered six copies of my book Lily Poole, one for each library, but since no other librarian in other local-authority districts do not know who I am or have read my work they are not going to order my book. Catch 22.

Ian wrote: "I don't know about "most" libraries, but in Canada the library systems I am aware of are:

Library Bound for ordering print books (my local library asked me to get my titles listed there before the..."

Good to know! How does one get listed on Library Bound? I've been checking out their site but haven't found the answer yet.

Let's get specific: I want to get my book in junior high/middle school libraries. What do I do?

Also, I read somewhere that for a library (school or public both, I think) to accept your book, you have to have it (?)catalogued (or something) by this one certain organization, but I forgot where I read that and I can't remember what it is. Maybe the Library of Congress cataloguing system?

Susan, I think that was the MARC question that I asked. It's something that they use for cataloging.

What I've found so far is that there is no clear answer. Some branch libraries order by themselves, some rely on a central library. Some will only order books through their distributor, others don't. It's frustrating not to have a clear. answer!

C.A. wrote: "In the US try the Library Journal's Self-E program. Apparently if an indie is approved, libraries can order it through something called BiblioBoard."

Thanks. That's the drone, ooops, information I was looking for.