2. Bloomsbury and innovation
• Est. 1986
• Traditional beginnings
• Harry Potter’s financial
input
• Growth strategy
• Digital innovation
• Move towards
entrepreneurial methods
3. What is
Public Library Online (PLO)?
• Library market a proven revenue generator
• 2008: 35m members loaned 310m books
• Innovative, affordable, forward-thinking, online
• E-book reading platform
• Low cost
• 24 hour access
• Transforms public lending
• Market reach
4. Why is it innovative?
• Disruption
• Subscription business model
• £100 per 100,000 users
• Access starts at £250
• Each shelf could generate £62,000
if sold to all UK library authorities*
• E-book lending and piracy
• Other publishers
• International expansion
*Based on population of 62m
5. Conclusion
• Shrewd decisions and excellent timing
• Innovation trajectory
• The value chain
• The way forward
“Innovation distinguishes
between a leader and a
follower” Steve Jobs