What services are typically provided by a book jobber?

A book jobber primarily serves as an intermediary between publishers and libraries (or bookstores), facilitating the acquisition of books and other materials. Among the services they typically provide, processing materials ordered is a significant function. This includes offering bar codes—which are essential for the cataloging and circulation of items—and providing MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) records, which help libraries catalog new acquisitions in their online systems.

These services streamline the ordering and processing of new library materials, thereby saving librarians valuable time and ensuring that collections are efficiently updated. The provision of these tools allows libraries to maintain accurate and organized records of their collections, which is crucial for effective library management.

In contrast, the options related to publishing new titles, offering digital marketing solutions, and creating customized library software fall outside the traditional role of a book jobber. These activities are typically managed by publishers themselves or specialized companies, thereby clarifying the specific niche that book jobbers occupy within the library supply chain.