Keeping Bookstores Relevant in the Digital Age

Bookstores have taken a hit in recent years, as big-box retailers like Borders have closed their doors and small independent bookstores too are finding it hard to make ends meet. Still, bookstores are finding ways to remain relevant as consumers are realizing that even though we live in the information age, there is still great value to information that’s imparted on a tangible medium.

In a recent opinion discussion on The New York Times’ website, writers, bookstore owners, and publishers each offered their own unique perspectives on bookstores and what they can do to stay relevant. All of the opinion pieces are worth the read, but perhaps the most profound point made in the discussion of physical vs. digital media comes from Emily Powell, the president of Powell’s books, which is “one of the largest family-owned independent booksellers in the world.”

“Our goal has always been to create a space, online and in person, that embodies our respect for the written word and its consumers. Book lover or not, we all want places to go where our needs are met and we fell spoken to as unique, interesting, valuable humans. We crave places that enrich and nourish us. The best independent bookstores are creating these spaces on a daily basis. No algorithm can succeed at doing that. The threat of online competition just reminds me that bigger is not always better; better is better.”

Advantage Book Binding has been in the book binding business since 1985, when we were founded on the principle “we do a quality book on time.” Since then we’ve seen plenty of changes both in and out of the industry. While some have sounded the death knell for books and other physical media, we believe that the fact that we continue to be an industry leader into the 21st century is a testament not only to our longevity as a company but to that of our craft. We think it’s important to keep books and physical media on the shelves, which is why we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the highest quality book binding and post press services available.

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