Baker & Taylor

Baker & Taylor, also known as B&T, is a global provider of library services headquartered in the United States. The company supplies books, digital media, and related resources to public and academic libraries. Its core offerings include collection development assistance, inventory management, and access to e‑books and audiovisual materials. Baker & Taylor works with publishers to make new releases available to library patrons shortly after publication. The firm also provides metadata and cataloging support to help libraries maintain discoverable collections. Through these services, it aims to enhance the accessibility and relevance of library holdings for diverse communities.

Baker & Taylor states that it supports thousands of public and academic libraries worldwide, indicating a broad international footprint. The organization is distinguished by its specialization in the library supply chain, focusing exclusively on the needs of information institutions rather than general retail. In August 2022, Baker & Taylor experienced a ransomware attack that disrupted servers, phone networks, and office operations across its service centers. The company responded by engaging its internal IT team and external experts, prioritizing system recovery and refusing to pay a ransom. This approach underscored a commitment to transparency and resilience in maintaining service continuity for its library clients. The incident highlighted both the vulnerabilities of critical service providers and the importance of robust cyber‑defense measures in the library services sector.