Books, Books, Books

If you go to flickr directly you can see the many other photos prior to this shot, to get to this bookstore on Haight Street the walk took me through Hayes Valley, up to Alamo Square, through Beuna Vista Park (one of the oldest parks in San Francisco and a human planted forest), and then along Haight to this bookstore. There, I discussed books and changing publishing industry (and what buyers will and won't buy) with the slightly disgruntled bookstore owner (or his wife/partner).

But, note a few innovations and observations about this store. It was one of the most densely packed bookstores I've been in (the most densely packed is Serendipty Books in Berkeley), and in a bit of an innovation they display many books cover out along the shelves. But as a buyer, my honest reaction to this density of books (though well organized alphabetically and by subject) was to observe but not to buy. Not just too much choice but also too many options to focus in on one and select it for purchase.

In contrast, I have bought many more books at stores with either fewer but more selective inventories, or with less precise and perfect organization - with more of a chance and need to browse and ponder, to see that book I've always wanted but never known about.

I also had to bite my tongue, though I know the publishing industry is changing, I also do not think it is as dire a situation as the woman working in the store seemed to think that it is - she thought that only 10% of the US still bought books and some other details were, i believe incorrect. Yes, the book selling industry, like so many others has and is changing - the "midlist" is much much harder today.

But books are still being bought in large numbers - perhaps not all the books she wants people to read (the millions of copies of The Divinci Code or Harry Potter for example) but books nonetheless. And creative authors, such as Cory Doctorow, are experimenting with new ways to promote and publicize their books online (and via CC licenses).

As a person planning a book myself, and on behalf of the many book authors who attend and speak at MeshForum, I do also believe that there is still a vital and important role for books in society. For both pleasure and work. Books are not, however, the sole or only element today - rather they are one part of a complex network - whether fiction or non-fiction books have to be connected to readers (or potential readers) in many ways - movies, websites, talks, presentations, conversations, ongoing consulting and more.

And the definition of "book" will likely shift and morph over time. At present a book is a physical artifact (with specilized versions such as "audiobooks" as a subset. Generally most books are the result of a long period of time - for the writing, editing and then publishing of the book - generally further spread out in time across the globe. It is still common for 'successful' books to have many printings - usually with only minor changes (if any) between printings. Usually starting with a "hardcover" edition then perhaps other sizes and cover types over time.

But as the few experiments with "e-books" are starting to show, and as projects such as the "bookmobile" from the Internet Archive also show (as well as commercial print-on-demand services) there may be other options in the future. Books may be printed on demand - shortening the time between writing and print. This may also allow for a book to be updated - potentially frequently (or even in an automated manner) allowing for each copy to be up to the minute "accurate".

But there will, I hope, always be a role for the used bookstore, for time spent browsing row upon row, aisle upon aisle, of books. Each book a labor (of love you hope) and each capturing a moment in time and a specific view and perspective - a conversation across time - stories, views, facts and opinions.
Posted by shannon at June 17, 2006 09:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)