About PLEXO
A premier international alliance for the book industry
PLEXO exists to establish trust, standardisation and global integration across the book trade — connecting officially licensed bookshops, academic and public libraries, certified publishers and cultural exhibition organisers under one set of international principles.
Who we are
Our vision
To build a seamless, highly credible global network in which book institutions interact, exchange resources and promote literature without borders — while enforcing the highest standards of intellectual property protection.
Every certificate the organisation issues is signed and sealed from our London headquarters, and every accreditation is checked again at annual renewal.
Our mission
What we set out to do
Empowering institutions
Elevating licensed bookshops and libraries by connecting them with global trade opportunities and international book fairs.
Protecting intellectual property
Enforcing strict anti-piracy policy and honouring copyright law across all member activities.
Facilitating global trade
Promoting sustainable resource sharing, including our international bulk second-hand book exchange (PEX) for verified members.
Core pillars
The three pillars of membership
To guarantee credibility across the network, membership is governed by three requirements. Every applicant must satisfy all three, and prove them again at each annual renewal.
Official licensing
Members hold valid legal authorisation from the relevant national authority in their own country.
Physical and operational presence
Members maintain an active, established library, bookshop or publishing entity. Purely virtual or unauthorised entities are ineligible.
Exhibition commitment
Members take part in a recognised regional or international book fair every year, and submit proof at renewal.
The ecosystem
Where a book passes between institutions, standards have to hold
Publishers, libraries, bookshops, exhibition venues, educational institutions, authors and readers all meet in the same trade. PLEXO accredits the institutional points in that chain.
Code of ethics and standards
PLEXO stands firmly against illegal printing, unauthorised distribution and counterfeit publications. Every member commits to ethical commerce, fair trading practices, and the preservation of the global cultural heritage of books.