[Exclusive Interview] This 200 Year Old Provider Of Library Management System Wants To Expand 'Made In India' Vision Across Globe

Recently, we interacted with Mr. Amandeep S. Kochar, President & Group CEO, Baker & Taylor Group of Companies – they are the largest supplier of library content, software and services to public and academic libraries in the U.S.

They also provide sales, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution support to small and mid-sized publishers through Publisher Services business.

Here are the interview highlights:

1. How would you sum up Baker & Taylor’s responsibilities as a Global Capability Center in India?

We seek to produce globally competitive technology solutions in India by adhering to the principles of “Make in India” and establishing the Baker & Taylor GCC, promoting economic growth and positioning Baker & Taylor as a global leader in the library distribution, services, and technology sector.  Our presence in India signifies a local operation and a strategic asset vital to our global operations and future growth roadmap.

In alignment with the thriving landscape and the anticipated rise of GCCs in India, we recognize this nation’s immense potential. Our India GCC is integral to our digital transformation, innovation, and the value we bring to our industry. As the country’s stature as a global tech hub solidifies, we are dedicated to producing competitive technology solutions while embracing the ‘Make in India’ ethos.

According to EY research, India is projected to host 2400 GCCs by 2030, which could extend to 2550, solidifying India’s global stature as a technology and services powerhouse. This underscores the immense opportunities and potential within India. Our dedication lies in delivering top-notch technology solutions globally, adhering to the ‘Make in India’ ethos, as we establish the Baker & Taylor India GCC. This approach fuels economic advancement and positions us as a frontrunner in library distribution, services, and technology.

The Baker & Taylor GCC stands poised to play a pivotal role in shaping our future growth trajectory, leveraging India’s ascent as a global hub for technology and services. We are thrilled about this collaboration’s prospects and remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver value and excellence to our clientele, partners, and stakeholders worldwide. As a collective, we are geared up to seize opportunities, innovate, and spearhead transformative change in the realm of library distribution and services.

2. How does Baker & Taylor’s India-based GCC leverage technology and innovation to enhance its services and support its global operations?

Our technological vision is geared toward empowering libraries and their patrons across the globe. We focus on enhancing user efficiency and accessibility by streamlining library operations. Through innovative cataloging systems, robust digital lending platforms, and sophisticated analytics, we enable libraries to offer a seamless and personalized experience. Our technology facilitates patrons in discovering and utilizing an extensive array of digital resources, nurturing continuous learning.

Moreover, our tech solutions serve as bridges, connecting libraries to global networks, fostering collaboration, and facilitating knowledge exchange. Our technology stands poised to elevate library services, broadening their scope and impact.

3. Could you share examples of technological innovations or advancements achieved in India so far?

The ‘Make in India’ initiative aligns seamlessly with our objective of crafting technology for the library sector globally. At Baker & Taylor India, our vision, spearheaded by Jagdeep Kochar, revolves around delivering pioneering, tailor-made technological solutions for libraries worldwide. The ‘Make in India’ initiative presents an ideal platform to achieve this mission, offering extensive possibilities.

This initiative fosters collaboration among local and global teams, facilitating knowledge exchange and technology transfer. Leveraging Baker & Taylor’s global expertise and best practices, this collaboration promises to generate cutting-edge solutions to address the unique challenges and needs of the library sector.

We anticipate that this program will yield localized, cost-effective solutions, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and job creation while nurturing skill development. By actively engaging in this endeavour, we aim to contribute to the advancement of the Indian workforce and economies, both local and global. Simultaneously, we strive to offer exceptional technology solutions to libraries worldwide, furthering growth and progress in the sector.

4. What strategies does the company employ to stand out and thrive in the Indian business landscape?

At Baker & Taylor, we prioritize the growth and development of our employees, creating a supportive ecosystem for their career progression. Beyond standard benefits, we focus on fostering an environment that nurtures individual growth. In India, we offer compelling opportunities for our team to collaborate with industry veterans boasting over four decades of invaluable experience, providing them with crucial insights and knowledge.

Our employees have access to an extensive business library housing over 1,000 titles, facilitating continuous learning and keeping them abreast of industry advancements. Additionally, we are gearing up to introduce tailored courses to foster career and technical advances among our workforce.

We foster a start-up-like ethos while upholding values of transparency, diversity, equity, and inclusion, drawing from our nearly 200 years of global expertise. Our commitment lies in cultivating talent and empowering individuals to excel in their careers.

Putting our employees’ well-being and growth at the forefront, our goal is to construct a fulfilling and rewarding career path for those joining our organization in India. Through our initiatives and support systems, we aim to encourage their potential and contribute to their long-term success.

5. What is the plan for the expansion and influence of Baker & Taylor’s GCC in India with respect to business services and IT in the future?

In the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24, we’re poised for an exciting journey, aligning our aspirations with a continual development and innovation vision. A key focus area entails fortifying our presence in India, a landscape ripe with abundant opportunities. Leveraging our global workforce of 1,500 dedicated professionals, we stand ready to make a substantial impact.

Having established a robust presence in India with a team of 90 members, our strategic plan aims to scale our Indian workforce to exceed 150 employees by FY24. This expansion aligns with our objective of establishing a formidable Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India, facilitating seamless collaboration across our global teams for product development and global library maintenance.

Our prime goal for 2023 centers on augmenting our diverse and proficient workforce by harnessing the skills and expertise of our team members. We’ve already brought 28 exceptional librarians in India, with plans to grow this number to 40 by 2024. This strategic move will significantly enhance our capacity to innovate and create ground-breaking solutions that will shape the future of library services.