News of Follett acquiring Baker & Taylor is another milestone along the journey of consolidation within the book industry. A combined annual sales of $3.6 billion looks like a significant slice of the pie—“the world’s largest single distributor of curated content for librarians and educators.”

For my eyes, it’s the word curated that jumps off the screen. This means that Follett selects and prioritizes what it offers customers. So I ask myself what are the pros and cons of consolidation in the book industry.

the pros (from the Follett press release):

“Unprecedented access to the best curated physical and digital content wherever learning and reading take place in the community.”

“Through our support of schools, public libraries, colleges, local bookstores and retailers, our teams are uniquely positioned to help communities everywhere strengthen literacy and learning.” (Todd A. Litzsinger, Chairman of Follett)

the cons:

What happens to publishers when the number of distribution outlet shrinks?

Over the long run will Follett/Baker & Taylor customers benefit from economy of scale or will reduced competition erase those potential benefits?

When Follett’s president and chief executive, Ray Griffith, says, “You are either a consolidator or you get consolidated,” he is reflecting an ongoing reality that exists throughout the book industry—publishers, distributors, retailers. It’s an acquire or be acquired world.

By making a commitment, you can get free two-day delivery (Amazon). Or your community might get a big box store with low prices instead of locally owned shops (Wal Mart). And you won’t notice or care that your options have been curated by someone who know nothing about you or your community. There is a lot of this happening, but that doesn't mean it's a good thing.