Office, Graphic Art and Library Products and Supplies

Office, graphic art and library products and supplies are used in offices, graphic arts studios, and libraries. Office supplies includes small, frequently used items such as pens, pencils, staples, paper clips, and paper; office equipment such as a fax machine, computer, paper shredder, water cooler, or postage meter; and office furniture such as a desk, workstation, or filing cabinet. Providers of office, graphic art and library products and supplies serve large market segments as well as specific industries. For example, the graphics arts industry requires products and supplies such as easels, paints, paint brushes, and specialized graphic software that are not generally required in traditional offices. Libraries also have specific office product needs for shelving, displays, book jacket covers, labels and protectors, and ID badges.

In the United States, providers of office, graphic art and library products and supplies are part of a multi-billion dollar industry that includes many different manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Recent mergers, consolidations, and buyouts continue as the makers of office, graphic art and library products and supply expect further growth. In turn, retailers continue to expand service offerings into related areas such as copy centers, document publishing, and packaging. Vendors of office, graphic art and library products vendors have also expanded their distribution lines from small stores to office product superstores and on-line distribution outlets. Significant growth in the number of home offices and home based businesses has contributed to the increasing demand for office, graphic art and library products and supplies.

Suppliers of office, graphic art and library products and supplies differ in terms of geographic location, markets served, and products or services offered. For example, companies that provide school supplies may offer many different types of paper, pencils, pens, and art supplies. Businesses that serve libraries generally provide a different set of product offerings. As the cost of postage continues to increase, many public and private organizations are using postage meters as a way to cut costs. With postage meters, consumers can use the correct amount of postage every time. They can also avoid time-consuming trips to the post office, and give their mails a more professional appearance. Other types of office, graphic art and library products and supplies are also commonly available.

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