F.A.Q. - Library


Summary FAQ List

General Information
   How can Lightning Source benefit libraries?
   What products and services does Lightning Source offer?
   Is Lightning Source a publisher?
   Do Lightning Source titles have new ISBNs?

Digital Library
   Who can submit titles?

Print-on-Demand Services
   How do Lightning Source's print-on-demand services benefit libraries and their patrons?
   How do I order a Lightning Source print-on-demand title?
   Is Lightning Source an out-of-print service?
   What are the capabilities of Lightning Source's "on demand" services?
   What materials are used in Lightning Source "on demand" books?
   Does a print-on-demand book have the same quality as the original?
   How fast can I get a print-on-demand title?
   Are titles ordered through Ingram Book Group sold at standard Ingram terms?
   Are the books returnable?
   Can I order print-on-demand titles through Lightning Source's sister company, Ingram Book Group?



General Information


How can Lightning Source benefit libraries
Today's library patrons place a high premium on fast, convenient access to a diverse selection of reading material and Lightning Source's expansive digital library is second to none. Lightning Source print-on-demand services are designed to help libraries meet their needs in a convenient, cost-effective fashion. Lightning Source is your source to meet changing patron needs. By digitizing titles, we can help you deliver any book, anywhere, in any available format you need including hardcover and a range of trade paperback sizes.

What products and services does Lightning Source offer
Lightning Source offers a suite of services that makes serving your patrons in today's high-tech world both easy and affordable. "On demand" printing allows a book to be printed to order in a range of formats, even if the order is for one book.


Is Lightning Source a publisher
No. Lightning Source is a source for publishers - providing printing and distribution services for them and their customers.

Do Lightning Source titles have new ISBNs
This is decided by the publisher. If producing a paperback from a hardcover original or vice versa, it is likely there will be a new ISBN. When the format remains unchanged, however, the ISBN usually stays the same.

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Digital Library


Who can submit titles
Lightning Source works directly with publishers who decide which titles to submit to the LSI Digital library.

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Print-on-Demand Services


How do Lightning Source's print-on-demand services benefit libraries and their patrons
With Lightning Source, you can offer your patrons more titles, more quickly with fast, easy delivery. We not only give you access to titles that were once extinct or hard-to-find, but also make it possible for low-volume titles to stay in print and for some new titles to be released. All this translates into wider title selection and better customer service for your patrons and your community.

How do I order a Lightning Source print-on-demand title
Print on Demand orders can in some cases by placed directly with the publisher or through your normal source of supply. If your normal source of supply is Ingram, Lightning Source titles are listed on Ingram databases and are ordered through the same methods you usually use with Ingram -- by telephone, fax, mail, or electronically. However, please keep in mind Lightning Source titles often need to be backordered and will be printed especially for you once the order is placed through Ingram Library Services. Lightning Source titles may also become available through additional distributors as the marketplace continues to develop.

Is Lightning Source an out-of-print service
No, but with Lightning Source, publishers can now bring back out-of-print titles and prevent premature extinction of low-volume sellers. In addition, many publishers are launching new titles using our services.

What are the capabilities of Lightning Source's "on demand" services
Lightning Source has the ability to print "on demand" titles within the following specifications: Lightning Source On Demand Offerings
What materials are used in Lightning Source "on demand" books
Lightning Source uses a high quality, acid-free, book grade of opaque paper stock. All books with trim sizes of 6x9" or smaller are printed on a 60# natural shade opaque. Larger books are printed on a 50# white. Paperback covers are printed on a bright white 80# cover stock.

Does a print-on-demand book have the same quality as the original
Yes. Lightning Source titles are virtually identical to offset-printed originals. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference. We produce clean graphics, vibrant 4-color covers, and easy-to-read text.

How fast can I get a print-on-demand title
Using revolutionary technology, Lightning Source can print and bind a 800-page book in less than a minute! Typically, titles are printed within 2 business days and sent to your distributor (Ingram, Baker & Taler, Matthews Medical, NACSCORP, Bertrams, and other partners within the Lightning distributionnetwork). Hardcover books and large trim size books (e.g., 7.5"x9. 25" and 8.25"x11") may take up to 72 hours to print.

Are titles ordered through Ingram Book Group sold at standard Ingram terms
Yes. Titles produced by Lightning Source are sold under the same terms as other Ingram titles.

Are the books returnable
It depends on the publisher. Publishers determine the return policies for all their books, including Lightning Source titles.

Can I order print-on-demand titles through Lightning Source's sister company, Ingram Book Group
Yes. All Lightning Source print-on-demand titles are listed on Ingram databases and are ordered through the same methods you usually use - electronic ordering, telephone, fax, and mail. However, Lightning Source titles often need to be backordered with Ingram. Call 1-800-937-8222, extension 3058 to sign-up for automatic backordering of Lightning Source titles.

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