BN.com goes to the library in search of sales

Library patrons searching an online card catalog for a book only to find it is checked out will be able to order the book for purchase from BarnesandNoble.com through a new deal between BarnesandNoble.com and Sirsi Corp., a provider of technology to libraries. Libraries will receive a commission on sales.

While Sirsi and BarnesandNoble.com have had an arrangement for some time, it has been low key until now. But with the release of Sirsi’s new Rooms product, which organizes books in the database by context, the two companies are promoting the capability. Until now, Sirsi’s iBistro, iLink and Web 2 card catalogs have displayed a simple Buy It Now button by the books in the listings. With the Rooms product, Sirsi will feature the BarnesandNoble.com logo.

Customers who click the link will go to BarnesandNoble.com to buy the book. In addition to paying a commission to libraries, Sirsi says it will work with libraries to encourage buyers to donate their purchases to the library.

BN.com has more than 1 million titles in stock. For out-of-print books that library patrons want, BN.com will tap into its network of used book dealers.