Backstage Library Works
Backstage Library Works is a US-based professional services company founded in 1986 that provides outsourced cataloging, authority control, FADGI-compliant digitization, preservation microfilming, and collection management to academic libraries, public libraries, archives, and government agencies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersProvo, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Backstage Library Works does
Backstage Library Works is a privately held, B2B/B2G professional services company founded in 1986 as Retro Link Associates and headquartered in Provo, Utah, with primary East Coast operations in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The company provides outsourced technical services to libraries, archives, museums, and government agencies across six service lines: metadata and cataloging (original and copy cataloging in MARC21/RDA, world languages including non-Roman scripts, retrospective conversion, publisher services); automation/authority control via the proprietary MARS system (acquired from OCLC in 2004 and continuously reengineered, including DEI-compliant terminology options such as Homosaurus and Indigenous Persons access points); FADGI 3- and 4-star compliant digitization using cameras up to 150MP with custom in-house designed cradles and METS/ALTO XML generation; preservation microfilming with silver halide on polyester base film offering a 500-year shelf life; on-site collection management including RFID tagging, reclassification, and inventory; and archival processing. The company operates three physical facilities as of October 2024 — Provo, UT; Bethlehem, PA on Commerce Way (Preservation Service Center, microfilm processing, camera studios); and a new Bethlehem, PA office on Courtney Street for Collection Management operations.
Backstage Library Works firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Backstage Library Works
- Legal name
- Backstage Library Works
- Website
- https://bslw.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Backstage Library Works is a US-based professional services company founded in 1986 that provides outsourced cataloging, authority control, FADGI-compliant digitization, preservation microfilming, and collection management to academic libraries, public libraries, archives, and government agencies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Backstage Library Works industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Library Technical Services
- NAICS
- Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192), Libraries and Archives (51921)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation (7374)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Records, Archive & Offsite Storage Management (IMAIALAI), Education & Research Archives Storage (Universities, Libraries, Labs) (TLALALAH)
Keywords
Where Backstage Library Works is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Provo
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Backstage Library Works business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Metadata and Cataloging Services: Full-service cataloging in MARC and non-MARC formats, including original and copy cataloging, RDA standards, and subject analysis. Services span English and non-English materials including non-Roman scripts. Pricing varies by volume and language complexity.
- Shelf-Ready Processing: End-to-end processing from Ingram and other suppliers. Items are inventoried, assigned MARC records, and physically processed with covers, labels, stamps, and tags. Revenue generated per-item processing fees.
- Digitization Services: FADGI-compliant imaging for bound materials, documents, photographs, and archival media. Services include full-service imaging, quality assurance, OCR generation, and METS/ALTO file creation. Project-based pricing.
- Preservation Microfilm: Archival microfilming services including original filming, duplication, and climate-controlled storage. Silver halide on polyester film production. Revenue per reel and storage fees.
- On-Site Services: Collection management services delivered at client locations including reclassification, RFID tagging, inventory, and evaluation. Includes travel and project management fees.
- Authority Control/Automation: Ongoing or one-time authority control processing using MARS system. Updates access points, deduplicates records, and supports linked data initiatives. Often structured as subscription or annual contracts.
- GSA Government Contract: Federal government procurement through GSA MAS contract (47QSMA22D08Q2) for digitization and collection management services under SIN categories 518210DC and 493110RM.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Sales Account Manager Compensation |
| Other | Annual | Product Manager Compensation |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Entry-Level Positions |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
Backstage Library Works product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Backstage Library Works provides outsourced technical services to libraries, archives, museums, and government agencies, including metadata creation and cataloging in MARC21/RDA formats, FADGI-compliant high-resolution digitization with METS/ALTO XML output, preservation microfilming on silver-halide polyester, authority control processing via its proprietary MARS system, shelf-ready physical processing, archival processing, and on-site collection management (RFID tagging, reclassification, inventory).
Product overview
Backstage Library Works is a library services company with technology expertise offering a suite of interconnected professional services for libraries, archives, museums, and government agencies. The core portfolio spans six service divisions: (1) Metadata/Cataloging — original and copy cataloging in MARC21/RDA, authority control via Automation, shelf-ready processing, and DEI-compliant subject heading updates; (2) Digitization — FADGI-compliant imaging up to 150 MP with METS/ALTO XML generation, OCR, and DAM integration; (3) Preservation Microfilm — archival silver halide/polyester film creation, duplication, storage, and SilverLock treatment; (4) Collection Management — on-site RFID tagging, reclassification, inventory, and shelf optimization under GSA contract; (5) Archival Services — finding aids, arrangement, and physical processing; and (6) Strategic Partnerships — Ingram shelf-ready processing integration and Preservica digital preservation integration. Services are available at three physical offices (Provo, UT and two Bethlehem, PA locations) and via the GSA MAS schedule for government procurement.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Metadata / Cataloging Services Full-service original and copy cataloging in MARC21 and non-MARC formats following RDA standards, including subject analysis, classification, world-language and non-Roman script records, retrospective conversion, non-MARC metadata, and publisher services for libraries, museums, and archives.
- Automation / Authority Control Ongoing or one-time authority control processing and heading updates using the proprietary MARS system acquired from OCLC in 2004, supporting multiple controlled vocabularies (LCSH, NACO, CONSER, Homosaurus, Indigenous Persons, Spanish LCSH), record enrichment, deduplication, automated copy cataloging, and database conversion consulting.
- Shelf-Ready Processing End-to-end physical processing that prepares library materials for immediate shelving and circulation upon arrival, including applying labels, barcodes, security strips, protective coverings, book jackets, stamps, and tags, integrated with Ingram Library Services for publisher-to-library fulfillment.
- Digitization Services FADGI-compliant (3-star and 4-star) digital capture of original library and archival materials using high-resolution cameras up to 150 MP, custom in-house camera cradles, climate-controlled studios, METS/ALTO XML generation, OCR, quality assurance, on-site digitization, and digital image metadata for DAM integration.
- Preservation Microfilm Services Creation of archival microfilm using silver halide emulsion on polyester base with an estimated 500-year shelf life, including microfilming newspapers and other formats, microfilm duplication, SilverLock polysulfide treatment, vinegar syndrome consultation, and RLG-compliant climate-controlled storage.
- Collection Management / On-Site Services On-location library services including RFID tagging, reclassification, inventory maintenance (Inventory Plus), shelf-space optimization, archival processing, and collection evaluation, available to federal agencies under GSA Schedule MAS contract 47QSMA22D08Q2.
- Archival Services Finding aid creation, collection arrangement, physical processing, and description of archival collections, operated in-house with on-site options, addressing recently acquired or partially processed collections at libraries, museums, and historical societies.
- Custom Programming / Data Processing Custom programming and data processing services including database conversion, record migration, METS/ALTO XML generation for digital asset management systems, and specialized metadata transformation supporting integration with client ILS systems and bespoke library workflows.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3-5 day turnaround for shelf-ready processing
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Backstage Library Works
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Backstage Library Works technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability8 records
Feature6 records
Backstage Library Works partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Ingram Library ServicescorePartnership to deliver comprehensive shelf-ready processing solutions. Ingram ships books to Backstage facilities where items are inventoried, assigned MARC records and local holdings, and completed with physical processing (covering, labeling, stamping, tagging) before shipping to libraries. Collaboration brings together Ingram's supply chain and title availability with Backstage's cataloging and metadata services.
- PreservicacorePartnership as part of Preservica's 'Digitize Once. Preserve Forever' initiative. Focus on supporting government agencies looking to enhance access to or provide alternative preservation methods beyond microfilm through digitization and Digital Preservation. Backstage digitizes microfilm and supports metadata capture for Preservica's cloud-hosted ADP software.
- General Services Administration (GSA)coreGSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract (47QSMA22D08Q2) providing government agencies access to Backstage's digitization and collection management services. Valid through May 30, 2027.
- Califa GroupcorePreferred vendor agreement offering Backstage services at discounted rates to Califa's network of over 230 libraries in California. Includes authority control, digitization, microfilm, metadata cataloging, physical processing, and on-site solutions.
- Big Ten Academic AllianceminorLibrary network partnership providing special pricing and services to member institutions.
- Library Network Partners (ASERL, RAILS, FedLink, Amigos, WiLS, etc.)minorVarious library network partnerships offering special pricing to members. Includes American Theological Library Association (ATLA), Amigos Library Services, Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), Big Ten Academic Alliance, Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK), Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO), Northeast Ohio Regional Library System (NEO-RLS), OhioNet, Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS), Wisconsin Library Services (WiLS).
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Backstage Library Works competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- MARCIVE: MARCIVE is the closest direct competitor to Backstage Library Works, offering similar outsourced library technical services including original and copy cataloging, authority control, retrospective conversion, and OCLC-related processing for academic and public libraries.
- Internet Archive: Internet Archive operates one of the world's largest digital libraries through bulk digitization of books, newspapers, and other materials. Its digitization operations overlap with Backstage's digitization services but Internet Archive operates as a mass-scale nonprofit rather than fee-for-service.
- Digital Divide Data: Digital Divide Data provides outsourced digitization services to libraries, archives, and publishers, with a social mission to employ at-risk youth. It competes directly with Backstage on digitization and metadata services for cultural heritage institutions globally.
- Atlas Systems: Atlas Systems develops specialized software (ArchivesSpace, Aeon) for managing archival collections and reading room requests, and provides adjacent services to archives and special collections. It overlaps with Backstage in serving the archival processing and special collections market.
Broad incumbents
- LYRASIS: LYRASIS is a nonprofit technology and services organization serving libraries, archives, and cultural heritage institutions through shared infrastructure (including collaborative digitization and cataloging services). It competes with Backstage's digitization, archival processing, and collection management offerings but on a broader consortium-based model.
- OCLC: OCLC is the world's largest library cooperative, owning the WorldCat catalog, OCLC Connexion, and authority control standards (MARC) that Backstage's workflows depend on. OCLC also offers competing cataloging and metadata services globally, representing both a partner and a competitive threat to Backstage.
- Ex Libris (Clarivate): Ex Libris (now part of Clarivate) provides library management systems (Alma, FOLIO, Rosetta) and digital preservation software widely used by academic and research libraries. While primarily a software company, Ex Libris competes with Backstage in digital preservation and institutional repository services.
- Innovative Interfaces: Innovative Interfaces (now part of Clarivate) is a long-established library automation vendor providing Sierra and Polaris ILS products used by academic and public libraries. It overlaps with Backstage in serving library back-office technical services but as a software rather than outsourced services provider.
- HathiTrust: HathiTrust is a large-scale collaborative digital preservation repository shared by academic and research libraries. While preservation-focused and nonprofit in nature, it competes with Backstage's preservation microfilm and digitization services for institutional preservation budgets.
Emerging players
- Recollect: Recollect provides a digital collections platform for libraries, archives, and museums to publish digitized content online. While primarily a software vendor, it intersects with Backstage's digitization and digital library services by enabling clients to deliver digitized content to end users.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Backstage Library Works social profiles
Digital presenceBackstage Library Works compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Backstage Library Works financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Backstage Library Works leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Backstage Library Works funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Backstage Library Works M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Backstage Library Works
What does Backstage Library Works do?
Backstage Library Works provides outsourced technical services to libraries, archives, museums, and government agencies, including metadata creation and cataloging in MARC21/RDA formats, FADGI-compliant high-resolution digitization with METS/ALTO XML output, preservation microfilming on silver-halide polyester, authority control processing via its proprietary MARS system, shelf-ready physical processing, archival processing, and on-site collection management (RFID tagging, reclassification, inventory).
Is Backstage Library Works a public or private company?
Backstage Library Works is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Backstage Library Works founded?
Backstage Library Works was founded in 1986. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Backstage Library Works based?
Backstage Library Works is headquartered in Provo, United States, in the North America region.
How does Backstage Library Works make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Metadata and Cataloging Services are the primary driver. The others are shelf-Ready Processing, digitization Services, preservation Microfilm, on-Site Services, authority Control/Automation and GSA Government Contract.
Who are Backstage Library Works's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are MARCIVE, Internet Archive, Digital Divide Data and Atlas Systems. Broad incumbents are LYRASIS, OCLC, Ex Libris (Clarivate), Innovative Interfaces and HathiTrust. Recollect is listed as an emerging player.
Does Backstage Library Works have an API?
No public API is recorded for Backstage Library Works.
What industry is Backstage Library Works in?
Backstage Library Works's product category is Library Technical Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAEAGAE, Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation), with a secondary code of EDAEAGAF, Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing). Its NAICS code is 519210 and its SIC code is 7370.