At WiLS, we want to bring valuable information to our library partners, including information about the missions and big ideas of the vendors they may already do business with. Each month, WiLS interviews a vendor partner in order to bridge the gap and open the door to valuable collaborations. This month, we are delighted to share insights from William Schwarting, Account Executive with Recorded Books, one of WiLS’ gold vendor partners!
Tell us about your company’s background.
We are the largest independent publisher of unabridged audiobooks and provider of digital media to libraries. Recorded Books was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Prince Frederick, MD. Recorded Books offers more than 22,000 audiobook titles narrated by professional, award-winning actors. We also provide digital audiobooks, eBooks, and digital magazines and film, through our RBdigital Gateway platform.
Why do you, personally, choose to work with libraries?
The best thing about working with libraries is the people. I get to connect with people all over the state who share a passion for reading and connecting their community with audiobooks, and digital media. The relationships that I build with customers is very rewarding. I like to get to know the people I am working with, and am excited to see them again.
What do you like to know about the libraries you work with? What helps you better understand their needs?
Libraries each serve their own communities and I like to learn about who the patron base is and how they might like to experience audiobooks and digital media. There are so many demographics of patrons and they may be listening to books on a long commute, or an elderly person that can no longer see typeface. The digital world is changing fast, and it is a challenge for libraries to keep up with formats and technologies the patrons are asking for. As a vendor, we look for a match in providing digital products that are useful and helpful, but also will be used by their patrons.
What big ideas are being worked on at your company? What problems are being solved?
Recorded Books is now offering a database of Comics and Graphic novels, and Downloadable Video games. Both products will be looking at new demographics that might not be using the library. Both products are a great way to save money, and allow multiple user access, and continue with the 24/7 model. We are also trying to help libraries to market and support our products to the library patron. We offer a wealth of marketing materials, as well as assistance with social media marketing. For support, we offer direct-to-patron support for our electronic resources.
Recorded Books is working with more ILS providers, working to streamline the patron experience.
How can librarians become partners in product or training development?
I think working with librarians to become ambassadors of our products is very important. It is key that the librarians can promote and market the products to patrons. Are the products accessible on the website or in the library? Do your librarians help customers to login and create accounts? In addition, we are happy to offer both offsite and onsite staff training sessions in conjunction with the library.
Do you have anything else you’d like to share here?
In addition to launching new library product offerings in 2016, we are also launching our new website. The website development has been a long and tedious process, but we are very excited about the launch, as the development and key functionality was spearheaded by a group of librarians. We hope that this will make it easier for libraries to find and purchase our content, view past purchasing history, and order from curated lists.