Comparing Libraries and Bookstores

The idea of libraries redesigning themselves to be more like large, successful bookstore chains has come up on the discussion board and in some of our class readings. I was curious to know more about the success of libraries who have emulated bookstores, so I did a brief search of the literature. While searching, I came across this quote from the Freakonomics blog on The New York Times website:

“Don't booksellers essentially foster the same things, though? Barnes and Noble has coffee shops and chairs scattered throughout their stores, and no one complains about reading those books. They have a better selection than most libraries, too. They also have new authors regularly come to promote their books, and for children, offer both a large children's book selection and summer reading programs/prizes to encourage reading. They also have a flexible return policy. So, why do we even need libraries when booksellers essentially offer the same services?” (scunning, 2007).

Most of what this person said about Barnes and Noble describes libraries to a tee. I guess that is why the last statement is so appalling. Apparently this person (even though he/she doesn't say it) feels libraries must offer more than bookstores in order to compete. The good news is most do (and those that don't are starting to realize that they must in order to survive).
At the upcoming ALA conference in Anaheim, CA, a program will be offered to teach librarians how to use research to build people-friendly libraries. According to the press release about the upcoming seminar, “Design now places users at the center of planning, and successful libraries must understand how patrons currently use our spaces” (Clark, 2008). The success that big bookstore chains have encountered has most likely been a result of studying their customers and accommodating their needs and desires. Libraries are starting to realize the importance of that.
Interestingly, in my literature search for articles on this topic, I found two articles in recent issues of Library Journal that claim these days it is the bookstores looking to libraries for advice instead of the other way around. Fister (2008) describes some of the reasons why bookstores might look to libraries, “After all, libraries know that developing a strong book culture involves making it easy for people to discover and sample new books, to acquire books quickly even if they aren't on the local library's shelves, and to share their reading experiences with others” (p. 32).
Borders recently opened its new “concept” store that amusingly seems to be trying to act like a library wanting to be a “headquarters of knowledge and entertainment,” offering a new Digital Center with multiple computer stations for customer use, and staff who will be trained to show customers how to do things on the computers (Fialkoff, 2008). Sound familiar?  “It's almost as if George Jones, Borders CEO, took a page from librarians and toured a slew of new libraries before embarking on his own building project” (Fialkoff, 2008, p. 8).
Thankfully, Francine Fialkoff (2008), Editor-in-Chief of Library Journal, shows how libraries have the upper hand because “As much as Borders touts its services, its bottom line is profit. The stores can never match the public service ethos that drives librarians. The relationships we have with our communities are deeper and far more intimate than anything Borders could manufacture, and I doubt that will ever change. There will never be any place but a library where a user can go to ask for the type of help we give so freely” (p. 8).
In my LS-577 class, one of our assignments was to do a bookstore and library comparison. I compared the children's department of Barnes and Noble to the school library where I work. Not only did I start to notice things about the bookstore that I had never paid attention to (like the lack of computer access and staff in the children's area), but I also saw certain areas of my own library that could be improved (like better signage and the boring white walls).
Fister (2008) suggests it would be win-win situation for all involved if libraries, booksellers, and publishers work together to come up with “solutions that stick” (p. 32). Each institution has a slightly different mission, whether it is to make a profit or to educate and provide free access to the community. However, in order to accomplish our missions we all must listen to our customers, find a balance between tradition and technology, and be innovative. So, what's the harm in sharing ideas?


Clark, L. (2008, May 23). Use research to build people-friendly libraries. ALA News and Press Center. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/may2008/peoplefriendlylibraries.cfm

Fialkoff, F. (2008, March 15). The Borders concept. Library Journal, 133(5), 8. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA).

Fister, B. (2008, April 15). What if you ran your bookstore like a library? Library Journal, 133(7), 30-32. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA).

scunning. (2007, July 10). If libraries didn't exist, could you start one today? [Msg 1]. Message posted to
http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/10/if-public-libraries-didnt-exist-could-you-start-one-today/