The Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vermont is the first independent bookstore in the US to install the Espresso Book Machine, a “print on demand’’ device that creates books for customers while they wait. If successful, the Boston Globe reports that this experiment "could streamline the traditional book supply chain, with much less need for space in warehouses, inventory on hand, shipping expenses, or management of returns."Manager Chris Morrow views his store's Espresso Book Machine, nicknamed "Lurch," as an “ATM for books.’’ Interestingly, Lurch is not drawing customers seeking near-instantaneous access to millions of books but, rather, is attracting "a lively customer base of local authors" interested in self-publishing their works. Morrow comments that Lurch has "been great for building community.’’
1 comment:
I really like this idea, and would love to see it in person. It does seem the perfect vehicle for those who want to self publish their work.
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