Is Johnston County Library Part Of Any Book Publisher Network?

I’ve spent a lot of time researching library systems, and the question of whether Johnston County Library is part of a book publisher network is interesting. Libraries generally don’t join publisher networks in the way bookstores or literary agencies might. Instead, they acquire materials through library-specific vendors. For example, they might use OverDrive for digital loans or Midwest Tape for audiobooks, but these are service providers, not publisher networks.

That said, libraries do engage with publishers indirectly. Programs like 'LibraryReads,' where librarians vote for favorite upcoming books, create a bridge between libraries and publishers. Johnston County Library could participate in such initiatives, but it’s more about advocacy and curation than formal network membership.

Another angle is consortia. Many libraries join statewide or regional consortia to pool resources. Johnston County might be part of a group like NC Cardinal, which shares materials across libraries. While this isn’t a publisher network, it expands access to books. So, no direct publisher ties, but plenty of collaborative efforts to bring books to readers.

I can say Johnston County Library isn't directly part of a book publisher network. Libraries typically get their books through distributors or wholesalers like Baker & Taylor or Ingram, rather than being tied to a specific publisher. They might collaborate with publishers for author events or special collections, but it's not a formal network membership.

Johnston County Library, like most public libraries, focuses on serving its community by offering a wide range of books, e-books, and other resources. They might have partnerships with local publishers or participate in statewide library programs, but those are more about resource sharing than being in a publisher's network.

From a practical standpoint, Johnston County Library isn’t part of a book publisher network. Libraries operate differently from bookstores or literary hubs—they prioritize access over sales. They buy books from jobbers or use interlibrary loan systems to fulfill requests, which means their connections are more logistical than proprietary.

However, libraries do influence publishers. Bestseller lists often track library demand, and publishers sometimes offer exclusive editions or early releases to libraries. Johnston County Library might benefit from such arrangements, but it’s not a two-way network. They also host author events, which can involve publishers, but these are one-off collaborations.

The closest thing to a network would be digital platforms. If Johnston County offers Hoopla or Libby, they’re working with publishers through those services, but again, it’s a vendor relationship, not a membership. So while they interact with publishers, it’s not in a networked capacity.