Follett Acquires Library Management Provider Access-It
Follett School Solutions has acquired Access-It Software, which provides a library management system used in K–12 schools around the world.
Follett offers a number of tools for schools and libraries, including Follett Destiny Library Manager, a comprehensive library management system and part of the Destiny Suite. The tools in the Destiny Suite are used in more than 71,000 schools, according to Follett. Accessit Library, another library management system, is used in some 4,000 schools around the world and offers a number of capabilities for task automation, classroom access, and tracking of usage and engagement, among many other features.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled about the combination of Follett School Solutions and Accessit. Bringing together a solution leader in North America and one across schools internationally creates an opportunity for innovation that will support educators worldwide with the challenges they face every day,” said Chris Porter, CEO of Follett School Solutions, in a prepared statement. “We strive to help educators provide the finest educational opportunities for students, and this merger expands our ability to have that positive impact.”
“Joining with Follett School Solutions is a natural progression of our growth in supporting educators and students everywhere,” said Martin Neyland, CEO of Accessit, also in a prepared statement. “We see our own desire to positively impact education also reflected in Follett School Solutions, and are excited about our path together.”
According to Follett, Neyland, along with Access-It Software co-founder, will run the Accessit side of the business.
According to Follett, both product lines will continue to exist: "Existing product investments and roadmaps will continue for both companies’ products as currently established. The Accessit Library and Destiny Library Manager solutions will both continue to be actively developed and supported, leveraging the best of both solutions to drive even greater innovation for the school library."