Press release on ibooknet re-launch

There are major changes at ibooknet, the only British Isles based co-operative organisation for booksellers offering antiquarian, collectible and second hand books.

The internet has revolutionised the second hand book trade, uniting book buyers and sellers across the world and, in some cases, providing a crucial new business outlet for second hand bookshops across the country. Yet the days when the internet book trade was characterised by altruism and personal service have long gone - if indeed they ever existed to the extent that they are fondly remembered. The corporate world has moved in, putting distance between the buyer and seller, and of course, taking their slice of the action too. Rising commissions and subscriptions have driven many away from internet selling, denying the book-buying public many of the gems to be found on their shelves, and depriving booksellers of a potentially valuable sales outlet.

Another revolution, less dramatic perhaps but for booksellers keen to exploit the opportunity which the internet represents, equally as important, is now taking place. It's time for independent booksellers to bite back, to make a concerted stab at preserving the best aspects of the book trade - in depth knowledge, experience, attention to detail and personal service - while at the same time carving out their place and presence on the internet. Yet many of the booksellers who adhere to these standards are not corporate big boys. They manage small businesses characterised by independence and quality not by mega-sized inventories and massive marketing campaigns. In today’s big business environment, it can be hard for these booksellers to penetrate the on line market without compromising their standards or tailoring their operations to suit the man in the suit. ibooknet offers these booksellers a channel for them to exploit the opportunities of the virtual marketplace without disrupting their bookselling business.

Essentially co-operative in concept and operation, the strength of ibooknet lies in the collective expertise and experience of its members and their willingness to share and support each other. Knowledge is its stock in trade. It is also a pro-active and practical organisation which uses its collective weight to negotiate discounts with suppliers and to liaise with the major listing services on behalf of its members. Rather than intervene in members' business by imposing stringent conditions, ibooknet members work hard to help each other improve the performance of their businesses and the experience of book buyers.

Add to these benefits of membership there is a dedicated sales channel at http://www.ibooknet.co.uk. ibooknet’s new database was launched in May 2005 and, although it is still partially work in progress, the subsequent upswing in orders has been encouraging. Moreover, at a time when other listing services are increasing subscriptions and the fees associated with offering books on line, ibooknet is bucking the trend has reduced its subscription fees across the board. By exploiting the best that modern technology has to offer, ibooknet's new database offers improved indexing, faster searching and an easier, secure ordering process, as well as commission-free sales and the subscription rates that are among the lowest around.

ibooknet is keen to recruit new members from the UK whose objectives match its own. If this sounds like the sort of organisation that could benefit your business, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Notes for Editors

• ibooknet, established in 2000, is the only British Isles bases co-operative organisation for second hand booksellers.
• Its website offers over 300,000 books. That figure is growing daily.
• Its members are drawn from all parts of the UK.
• Further details can be found at http://www.ibooknet.co.uk or by contacting Jessica Mulley of The Virtual Bookshelf on 020 8699 9732. Email Jessica@thevirtualbookshelf.co.uk
• ibooknet would be happy to put you in contact with your local ibooknet members.

 Jessica Mulley