BTW News Briefs

Follett Announces Online Textbook Rental for Independent Bookstores

This week, Follet Higher Education Group announced the launch of two new college textbook rental programs for independent bookstores: an online affiliate program and an in-store rental support program.

Follet said that the Online Affiliate Program is "a turnkey rental service," offering revenue share, an expansive list of titles, a branded online rental solution, and an option to serve as students' "return depot."

The In-store Program would act as "an in-store rental support program for Follett's independently-managed college store partners" and would provide inventory protection, logistical support, and in-store and online marketing materials.

More information about Follett textbook rental is available at www.follettbooks.com.

New England Independent Booksellers Association Picks New Logo

After looking at hundreds of designs submitted by professional graphic artists, students, and others, the Board of the New England Independent Booksellers Association has chosen a new logo, designed by Amanda Begins of Amada Begins Designs in Jeffersonville, Vermont.

Begins was awarded a $250 gift certificate to her local independent bookseller, Phoenix Books, Café & Wine in Essex, Vermont.

powerHouse Signs With Random House

Independent Brooklyn-based publisher powerHouse Books has signed a distribution arrangement with Random House Publishing Services. Beginning June 1, Random House will oversee powerHouse marketing, sales, and distribution.

powerHouse, which publishes books on fine art, history, pop culture, and fashion, said that the arrangement would not impact powerHouse Arena, the large bookstore and event space on the ground floor of its publishing offices.

NRF Names New President and CEO

The National Retail Federation has selected Matt Shay to serve as its next president and CEO. Shay joins NRF from the International Franchise Association where he served as president and CEO. He succeeds Tracy Mullin, who is retiring after 17 years as NRF's CEO.

Shay's start date will be May 10, and he will be formally elected at the June 22 NRF Board meeting.

PEN American Center Re-elects Appiah

PEN American Center announced on March 17 the re-election of scholar, author, and critic Kwame Anthony Appiah to another year as its president.

Also re-elected were Laurence J. Kirshbaum, founder of LJK Literary Management, as executive vice president; Jessica Hagedorn, novelist and playwright, as vice president; Maria B. Campbell, founder and director of an international literary scouting agency, as treasurer; and Roxana Robinson, novelist, as secretary. Victoria Redel, novelist and poet, was newly elected vice president, taking the place of novelist A.M. Homes, whose term on the board was up.