Libraries as sales referrers
I always wondered about book stores like Borders and Collins, which have always seemed quite expensive. It is a rare day that I actually buy a book from one of these stores, because I know I can buy it cheaper online, new or second hand.
So why do I go ?
So I can see inside the book, at a quick glance see if I like it. This is exceptionally useful for textbooks, but I also do it for novels and cookbooks. Cookbooks tend to have a lot of pictures, which you don’t get the scope of when you view things online. Yes .. Amazon do give access to view pages within the book, but it’s not the same as holding it. I like walking the bookshelves, and experiencing the serendipity of finding something by accident, that small book that’s tucked in beside “Programming C” when it was put back in the wrong place.
The different concept:
Public Libraries (or even other libraries) could facilitate book sales. Using their own book search engine ( like Beta Book Search) and generate some profit off the referrals. This searching could be available within the library, and you could borrow the book until your copy arrives. Better still, they could scan your library card, and purchase it for you .This would extend the libraries usefulness. Furthermore, these purchases could feed back to the member, for example, knowing that 15 out of 20 people who looked at the book purchased it, would say something about a book.
Why do I think this is better?
Libraries are already performing a service, providing information to its members. That’s pretty much why I go to bookstores, to see what’s there and find other stuff “by accident”. This is just another way of providing value to its members, and generating some revenue. Book stores display what is available and saleable, and provide instant gratification should you wish to buy and use/read the book immediately.
I don’t think it’s a case of one or the other, I am suggesting a hybrid, and perhaps this is an avenue for the libraries to pursue. I am not sure, but I think libraries may already cater for those who a price sensitive (i.e. borrow instead of buy a book). This however, provides the ability for a member to purchase a book if the price is right, and borrow the libraries until they get theirs.