On December 6, 2013, the Board of Directors for both the Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI), and Hardcover Binders International/Library Binding Institute (HBI/LBI) approved a “Memorandum Of Understanding”, the final agreement confirming the merger of the two associations. Effective January 1, 2014, HBI/LBI will be merged into BMI. HBI/LBI will continue to exist as the Library Binding Council within BMI. 

Both associations are anticipating great value in combining resources during a time in which the book manufacturing, hardcover binding, and library binding industries are experiencing significant changes.

Jac Garner, President of BMI, commented “This merger provides the best opportunity for both associations to continue to represent the best interest of their members in this changing environment, and continue to provide world class support and services for their members, their member’s customers, and ultimately the consumer.”

Duncan Campbell, President of HBI/LBI, notes “In a way, the merger brings both organizations full circle. In 1933, LBI emerged from BMI, because the book manufacturers not only did the binding, but also printed the entire book, and at the time, library binders just did the binding. A number of our members are now printing, not just binding and they are printing brand new books. “

Many Library Binding Council (formerly HBI/LBI) services will continue. Debra S. Nolan, CAE, HBI/LBI Executive Director, will continue with the merged organization through December 31, 2015 to support the work of the Library Binding Council. Werner Rebsamen, HBI/LBI technical consultant, will stay on as technical consultant to the Council. The publications, Endpaper and ShelfLife, will continue to be published and contain information relevant to all members of the merged association. The Council will be represented by Nolan at the ALA Annual Conference and the Library Binding Toolkit will be maintained.

Since 1933, BMI has been providing value to both its member companies and others who are associated with the book industry. From its efforts to promote readership and literacy to its unparalleled networking opportunities, BMI gives back to its members, to the book industry and to the communities our members do business in. BMI continues to provide a vital link between book manufacturers, publishers, suppliers, and governmental groups. BMI member companies represent every facet of the book manufacturing industry, and produce the great majority of books ordered by the U.S. book publishing industry.

For more information, please contact Daniel N. Bach, Executive Vice President, Book Manufacturers’ Institute at [email protected].