Charlotte, NC, June 8, 2000 – Baker & Taylor, the global information and entertainment services company, today unveiled the name of its new business-to-business e-commerce venture: Informata.com. The new venture will distribute electronic content, license database services and applications and create Internet portals that host services tailored to target customers such as libraries, educational institutions and traditional and Internet retailers.

Informata.com’s first Internet portal, theLibraryPlace.com, will premiere at the American Library Association’s Annual Conference July 8-11, 2000 in Chicago. It will offer its customers a single, efficient electronic marketplace for a wide variety of products and services – from books, music and movies to furniture, computers and office supplies.

In addition, theLibraryPlace.com will provide a mix of free online services and information, including industry news, career postings and new product information, as well as premium paid services designed to meet the specific needs of librarians.

"We see tremendous opportunity to provide e-business services to libraries, educational institutions and retail establishments," said Baker & Taylor CEO, Craig Richards. "These are markets we have served as a trusted business partner for over 170 years."

Informata.com will operate as an independent business. Baker & Taylor will transfer numerous assets to the company, including its Electronic Business and Information Services unit, a licensor of database services and applications; its Replica Book unit, a print-on-demand publisher; and its ownership interest in Yankee Rights Management, a specialist in digital distribution rights.

A highly experienced team of over 150 individuals will form the employee base for Informata.com. This group will include former Baker & Taylor professionals as well as individuals from other organizations.

At present Baker & Taylor owns 100 percent of Informata.com. However, it is expected that outside equity investors in Informata.com will be sought, along with strategic relationships.

Baker & Taylor, Inc., based in Charlotte, NC, is a global information and entertainment services company that offers books, videos, music and services to libraries, educational institutions and traditional and Internet retailers.