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Angus & Robertson, Central Book Services and On Demand Books has announced the launch of the first Espresso Book Machine (EBM) in Australia to be installed in a retail environment. The machine is located in Angus & Robertson’s Bourke Street store in Melbourne.
The EBM allows customers to print perfect bound books while they wait. In 2007 the revolutionary machine was named by Time Magazine as one of the “Best Inventions of the Year”. The EBM takes only a few minutes to print and bind a paperback book and will greatly increase the range of books available to customers.
Angus & Robertson has a few hundred books available to be created, most being previously out of print, with some being personalised versions, exclusive to the company. The available range is expected to grow daily, as tens of thousands of titles become available over the next couple of years.
The aim is to make as many out of print books available as possible; to provide access to an enormous range of books that could not physically be carried in a book store.
Angus & Robertson Managing Director, David Fenlon, said the EBM would deliver a significant enhancement to the range and availability of books that were previously inaccessible to customers.
“Print on Demand technology has a groundswell of support throughout the publishing industry,” said Mr Fenlon. “Authors, publishers and distributors will work with Angus & Robertson to explore how the Espresso Book Machine can enhance the availability of books for our customers.”
There are more Australian books out of print than currently in print and using the Espresso Book Machine will offer opportunities for authors to have their books back in production.
Angus & Robertson also plans to work closely with authors, their publishers and other industry stakeholders to trial and introduce the technology to Australian customers, and ensure it presents a viable opportunity for all parties. Ultimately, the objective is to increase choice and convenience for the customer.
Central Books Services, the Australian book wholesaler and supplier of the Espresso Book Machine in Australia identified the opportunity to collaborate with Angus & Robertson. Richard Siegersma, Central Book Services Executive Chairman said this was the first of a number innovative supply chain solutions to the book industry.
The EBM is available for use at the Bourke Street store of Angus & Robertson and will be marketed in-store as “The Story Maker”.