Library service provider EBSCO, has confirmed that it has acquired YBP Library Services from Baker & Taylor. In a release, EBSCO officials called the move “a significant investment," and EBSCO president Tim Collins said the company “plans to let YBP be YBP,” and according to a brief FAQ, customers will see little to no changes in the short term.
“YBP is recognized in the market as the leader at what they do. We want them to keep doing it,” Collins said. “We are in a position to help their progress and expedite their vision, and we are looking to continue their operations and partnerships with publisher and aggregator platforms. The people and philosophies are a match, and we are excited to welcome YBP to the EBSCO family.”
B&T officials said a more complete release will come next week, but George Coe, CEO of B&T said the deal will allow the company to focus on its core businesses and “new opportunities” within those businesses.
Founded in 1971, YBP Library Services is recognized as a leader serving academic libraries, with workflow solutions and a suite of acquisition and metadata resources. GOBI3 (Global Online Bibliographic Information) serves as YBP’s primary tool for the discovery and acquisition of digital and print monograph content. B&T bought YBP in 1999.
EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the leading discovery service provider for libraries worldwide with more than 6,000 discovery customers in over 100 countries.
Meanwhile, in a separate release, ProQuest announced that the deal will not affect its relationship with YBP. “We are continuing our relationship with YBP without disruption to support these commitments," said Kurt Sanford, ProQuest CEO. "This is driven by what’s best for our customers and the patrons they serve.”
