BTW News Briefs

Southern California Booksellers Association Announces Name Change

On December 15, the Southern California Booksellers Association (SCBA) announced that it was changing its name to the Southern California Independent Booksellers Association (SCIBA). In a statement, SCIBA Executive Director Jennifer Bigelow explained the reason for the change: "These days, when stores look the same no matter where you are in the country, we here at the SCIBA feel that one of the most important things that we are celebrating is our diversity. We're the same organization but now, with the inclusion of Independent in our name, nothing is in doubt about our membership."

Ingram Enters Academic Library Supply Field

On December 18, Ingram Industries Inc. announced it had entered into the academic library supply business with the acquisition of U.K.-based Coutts Information Services and its MyiLibrary affiliate. Coutts, which has offices in the U.S., Canada, and Holland, specializes in book and electronic content supply to academic, government, corporate, public, and institutional library and information sectors.

MyiLibrary is a e-book hosting platform offering access to digital content collections. It is used by academics, researchers, and professionals and also is used as a reference tool for businesses and institutions that want to give their users access to digital content. Librarians can use MyiLibrary to build multi-publisher collections of titles in the same way they have done with print publications.

Texas Bookman Launches Online Outlet

On December 18, Texas Bookman announced the recent launch of TexasBookman.com, an online wholesale distributor of remainder, promotional, closeout, and bargain priced books. The site carries more than 1,500 titles, with an emphasis on the visual and performing arts, architecture, history, literature, children's stories, crafts, and science. According to a company press statement, the new outlet will allow customers from all over the world to view and order merchandise in real time, instead of depending on quarterly print catalogs that may be out-of-date.

TexasBookman.com is a wholly owned subsidiary of Half Price Books.

Graywolf Press Celebrates Completion of $1 Million Advance Fund Campaign

This week, Graywolf Press announced the completion of its $1 million Advance Fund Campaign to increase its capacity to serve authors and readers. In 2004, as Graywolf celebrated its 30th anniversary, the Press embarked on a venture to raise $1 million. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Graywolf is a literary nonprofit publisher "dedicated to the creation and promotion of thoughtful and imaginative contemporary literature essential to a vital and diverse culture."

The money raised through the Advance Fund is being invested in Graywolf's programs over a period of five years, from 2004 to 2008. During this time, Graywolf is increasing advances for emerging and established writers, developing new marketing initiatives, and expanding its national and international profile. On May 2, 2006, Graywolf Press opened the campaign to the public after raising $738,000, and receiving a $100,000 challenge grant from the Lannan Foundation. Individual donors from all over the country contributed over 80 percent of the $1 million.