Books & Research was started in 1983 by a group of researchers and academics, led by Dr. Naseem Jamali to help with the research needs of New York City-area firms. Because of their strong ties to local Universities, Books & Research was able to conduct research and obtain grey literature for a variety of organizations. By 1986 Books & Research had become incorporated in the State of New York and in addition to conducting research for firms, began providing reference books and other scholarly materials to customers.

To meet demand from European customers, in 1989 Books & Research opened a satellite offices in Berlin and shortly thereafter in Paris. In 1991 Books & Research became a major supplier to Electricite De France (EDF) as well as Airbus. In addition to providing services to European corporations between 1993 and 1999 Books & Research also provided services to customers such as Universite de Paris, Sorbonne, Montpellier, Institut français du pétrole (IFP).

After working in the European market, Books & Research began to expand it's domestic services and in 1999 was awarded it's first GSA contract. Furthermore, in 2002 Books & Research was awarded a BPA for the Library of Congress. Also in 2002, Books & Research managed a project that oversaw the move, reorginization, and cataloging of US Coast Guard Station Oakland's library collection. In 2005 Books & Research was awarded a contract from the US Navy to build, supply, and catalog the entire collection for Naval Air Station Pensacola's Library.