DA Information Services acquires Languages Direct, the premier supplier of LOTE books to Public Libraries (June 15 2009)

Opportunities for libraries to improve productivity and reduce costs as a result of DA Information Services acquisition of Languages Direct.

DA Information Services (DA) today announced it has completed the acquisition of Languages Direct, the leading supplier of LOTE (Languages Other Than English) books and AV material to Libraries in Australasia. This acquisition will mean public, state and University libraries in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia can now consolidate English Language and LOTE purchasing easily.

As both companies are conveniently headquartered in Melbourne, integration has already commenced to incorporate Languages Direct as a division of DA Information Services. Languages Direct will continue to have its own identity within DA.

Richard Siegersma, Executive Chairman of DA Information Services said, “DA is the most innovative library supplier in Australia for English language titles. Our innovative solutions will be applied to the LOTE product range as well. Initiatives like local Print on Demand and access to foreign language electronic books, means a broader and more comprehensive range of books will be available faster. DA’s sophisticated technology platform and scale will deliver economies of scale for libraries, through merging the purchasing and delivery of LOTE and English language titles.”

Jacob Miceli, Managing Director of Languages Direct commented: “We are delighted to have concluded our agreement with DA Information Services. DA have impressed us with their commitment to advancing LOTE and their capacity to expand the services associated with the supply of LOTE material. This is a positive development for our customers as it will provide continuity and improved services for our customers, which we know DA can clearly provide.”

Languages Direct is integrated with DA in Mitcham, Melbourne, Australia.

For more information, contact Robert Bonte +61 3 9210 7750 languages@dadirect.com.

About DA Information Services
DA Information Services supplies libraries of all types with learning and information resources including books, ebooks, electronic databases print and electronic journal subscriptions and related services; Associate company Central Book Services is a wholesale supplier of books, print on demand services, special order services e-book readers to the booktrade. DA has offices in Melbourne and Singapore, which service libraries in the Asia Pacific region.

About Languages Direct
Languages Direct (formerly Foreign Language Bookshop – Library division) has been servicing Australasia’s public library community members with these materials since 1938. Languages Direct has over 500 customers who deliver value to their communities with material in 150 languages.