James Bennett: ‘There’s no one-size-fits-all approach anymore, and that’s exciting’

In the lead-up to the 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs), Books+Publishing is in conversation with the event’s major sponsors about the status of the industry, what excites them about the future, and what they have to offer publishers, booksellers and readers. Sarah Phillpot, general manager at James Bennett, spoke with the publication.

This segment is supported by the event sponsors. 

James Bennett provides a number of services across the book industry. Would you share some of the key aspects of your business? 

James Bennett is a leading supplier of content and library solutions across Australia and New Zealand. Our key services include providing libraries with access to an extensive range of books and multimedia resources, as well as collection development services, budget management, shelf-ready services, and workflow and system efficiencies. 

Tell us an interesting fact that the industry might not know about your company.

James Bennett has been serving the book industry for over 60 years, making us one of the longest-running library suppliers in the region. 

James Bennett himself was quite a force of nature – his career before books included stints as a jackaroo, a rabbit-trapper, a deep-sea fisherman, a meat worker, and even a seller of Chinese scrolls. 

In addition to his colourful background, James made a lasting mark on the industry. In 1965, he championed and won the right to implement country of origin pricing, allowing Australian libraries to purchase books at the original market prices, simply converted to Australian currency. This pivotal change helped retain a significant portion of overseas buying within Australia, at great benefit to the local industry. 

How do you balance sustainability concerns with the practicalities of the energy requirements of distribution? 

Sustainability isn’t a standalone concern for us; it’s a core principle that shapes how we operate and innovate. We embed sustainable practices throughout our workflow – from optimising logistics to reduce carbon emissions, to matching carton sizes with deliveries and setting minimum order quantities to cut unnecessary shipments. 

This mindset also drives our thinking when it comes to new services and product development. In 2019, we launched TSP – The Sustainability Project, which helps libraries responsibly remove and redistribute weeded books, reducing landfill and supporting circular solutions. In 2020, we introduced the Accelerated Circulation Plan (ACP) – a sustainable, end-to-end service that helps libraries meet peak demand while managing discards. Returned books are donated to charity or responsibly recycled through accredited partners. 

We’re proud to support libraries in achieving both operational and environmental sustainability.

Collection development is one of the primary concerns within libraries. Can you speak to the key elements and decisions that go into building a good collection?

A strong library collection is built on diversity, relevance and accessibility. Our collection team approaches every collection with these principles in mind, guided by an understanding of community needs, emerging trends, and the importance of representing a wide range of voices. They work in close collaboration with librarians, whose insights and priorities help ensure our selections are aligned with both current readership demand and long-term collection value. 

Ebooks are a cornerstone of the book sector, but to say that audiobooks have gone mainstream is an understatement. How has the increased variety of formats affected your business?

It keeps us on our toes!  

We saw a sharp shift toward digital during and after Covid. With libraries closed, online platforms became the primary way to stay connected and provide safe, easy access to content and resources. That said, print budgets have remained strong, and it’s been incredibly heartening to see a renewed focus on print collections in the past couple of years. 

Like any business, the goal is to stay relevant. Our challenge is to anticipate trends, to play to our strengths but understand our limitations. Modern life is changing at a manic pace, and libraries – along with those who supply and support them – need to stay agile and tuned in to shifting community needs and preferences.  

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach anymore, and that’s exciting. Success lies in embracing these differences, staying open to new opportunities, and meeting readers wherever they are.  

Libraries are in the news at the moment, facing unprecedented challenges with book bans and censorship. How affected are libraries in Australia, and what would you suggest concerned parties do to support literacy and freedom to read?

While Australia isn’t facing censorship on the scale seen elsewhere, concerns around content access and pressure on public institutions are growing. Unfortunately, challenges are becoming more frequent, and these incidents threaten not just collections but also the safety and integrity of library spaces. 

There are incredible resources available to support libraries, such as ALIA’s Freedom to Read toolkit, which can help libraries respond to these issues with confidence and care. Collection policies and selection guidelines also provide a framework for handling challenges respectfully and transparently. 

Everyone has a role to play. Start conversations – ask your local library how they’re navigating this space. Raise it at book club. Chat with teachers or school librarians. Encourage children to read broadly and explore diverse stories.  

Thinking of the last few years in Australian literature, what has excited or interested you the most?

The increasing prominence of diverse narratives has been incredibly exciting. We’re seeing a richer, more honest representation of who we are as a nation, and more opportunities for communities to tell their stories – in their own voices.  

I’m also constantly in awe of the strength and innovation of Australia’s small presses – taking risks on unique stories, championing emerging talent, and leading the charge in publishing underrepresented voices. Their work is vital to ensuring the industry reflects the full breadth of Australian experience. 

What do you think the next five years hold for libraries and the book industry in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand? 

Over the next five years, I believe we’ll see a stronger, industry-wide commitment to tackling sustainability, both environmental and operational. With around 21 million printed books held in Australian public library collections, and weeding rates recommended to be 10%, that equates to approximately 2.1 million books – potentially 1.5 tonnes – being discarded each year. As an industry, we have a responsibility to develop smarter, more sustainable solutions for managing this cycle, ensuring that we minimise waste while maximising the life and value of each book. 

Equity of access should also be a major focus. Education and literacy are often described as the great equalisers, but the reality is far more complex. Access to content is still shaped by geography, economics, format availability, and even comfort levels with physical spaces. Not everyone finds libraries or bookstores welcoming, particularly those from marginalised or underserved communities. We need to rethink how we connect – by going to where communities are, offering content in multiple formats, and meeting diverse needs with empathy and innovation. 

That’s the beauty of libraries: they are uniquely positioned as community-led, inclusive spaces. They’re staffed by skilled professionals who do far more than lend books; they help remove barriers, support digital inclusion, and create opportunities for learning, growth and connection. Libraries will continue to be the heartbeat of their communities if we invest in their agility and adaptability. 

The Australian Book Industry Awards are presented for achievements in bringing Australian books to readers. This year marks the event’s 25th anniversary.

Books+Publishing is the Australian book industry’s number-one source for news, opinions, pre-publication reviews, jobs, and advertisements.

Category: ABIA