This is an interesting time to be in the book business. The Digital Revolution has forced bookstores, libraries and publishers to change the way they do business. They’re looking for non-traditional ways of serving their customers/community.
People have been questioning the point of libraries. “Why do I need the library when I can just Google it?” The library is more than just a place to get books. It uses its resources to best serve the community. While getting my MS in Information and Library Science, I learned different ways libraries were reaching out to the community- ways that had nothing to do with books.
Just learned about this one today.
“Both the Chicago Public Library and New York Public Library are starting up large-scale projects that lend WiFi hotspots to households with little to no internet access, giving them a chance to pursue internet education programs that would otherwise be off-limits.” (Endgadget)
This is an amazing idea. I hope it works. This could lead to more libraries doing similar things. It’s also an awesome way of showing people the power of the library.
The state of B&N has given those in the industry some grey hairs. B&N is the Amazon of print books. It helps a lot with discoverability. We need this store to thrive. Now, the bookstore is making some changes.
“The bookstore chain announced Wednesday that its board has approved a plan to split into two separate public companies: one for Barnes & Noble’s retail operations and another for its Nook efforts. The plan is to finalize the split by the end of the first quarter of 2015.” (Mashable)
I wonder if/how this would effect publishers and authors.The Nook hasn’t been doing nearly as well as Kindle and B&N closed some stores last year. I’m glad, though, that Barnes & Noble is still hanging in there.
“Splitting off the Nook business is the latest chapter in Barnes & Noble’s ongoing saga to compete with technology giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google.” (PC World)
Amazon has cornered the ebook market. Let’s see if this split can make the Nook a competitor. I’ve no problem with Amazon. It’s the reason I’ve been able to publish my books. I also don’t want them to continue being the biggest ebook retailer. Amazon has been letting all that power go to their heads.
