Baker & Taylor Launches axisReader to Provide On-the-Go Access to Library eBooks

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker & Taylor, the world's largest distributor of digital and physical books and entertainment products, has released a new, free application for tablets and smartphones called axisReader, which allows patrons of libraries with the Axis 360 digital media platform to seamlessly discover, checkout and read ebooks in EPUB and PDF formats on their mobile devices.  The axisReader will be available alongside the existing Blio ereader, which provides a fully-accessible ereading experience to Axis 360 users.

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Rich in features and easy to use, axisReader runs on devices with iOS or Android operating systems and is now available to install through iTunes and Google Play (formerly Android Market). Links to the application download pages will also be provided within the App Zone of Axis 360 library websites.

"axisReader is a powerful tool that provides on-the-go library patrons with the electronic content they want," said George Coe, President of Baker & Taylor's Library & Education division. "The release of axisReader shows again that Baker & Taylor is committed to developing technologies that boost library circulation and give patrons a superior library experience."

axisReader integrates fully with a library's Axis 360 digital repository, allowing patrons to instantly borrow and download best-sellers and new release fiction and nonfiction titles in EPUB and PDF formats. The app is loaded with features including search within, dictionary lookup and highlighting selections while reading. Personalization within the axisReader also gives the user the ability to Find A Library, and to bookmark that link for easy discovery and download from the Axis 360 library.

With both axisReader and Blio – the only fully accessible ereader in the marketplace – Axis 360 now offers library patrons more choices than ever.   Many of the nation's top libraries are finding Axis 360 to be a convenient and cost-effective way to offer digital content to patrons on a wide variety of personal computers, laptops, ereaders, smartphones and tablets. With Axis 360, libraries have access to more than 450,000 titles, including digital audiobooks available through Baker & Taylor's new Acoustik^TM direct-to-device download service.

About Baker & Taylor

Baker & Taylor, Inc. 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.

SOURCE Baker & Taylor, Inc.