Book sales are on the rise, but many would complain that they are the wrong kind of books. Popular novels are selling millions and superstores like Barnes & Noble and Borders --to say nothing of online discount stores like Amazon.com-- are driving independent bookstores out of business. The superstores emphasize the popular selling books over new authors and quality, but less popular books. Still, publishers have about 30 percent of all books they print returned to them as unsold.
There does not seem to be much good news for independent stores. But there may be good news for consumers. And technology plays a role in several scenarios.