Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney
I live within walking distance of a Borders and a Barnes and Noble superstore with cafes. I would not expect the waitstaff to provide that information, or know anything about it. Aside from having to pay them more, if the cafe is successful, they are too busy selling and serving food and beverages to the customers to have the time required for that sort of assistance.
I do expect the sales folks on the floor to have some knowledge of the books they sell and stock, if only to tell me whether they have a title in stock.
You would want something like a docent, who could provide information on readers and available electronic books. That person might well either be based in the cafe, or give scheduled talks on the matter in the cafe, though normally based elsewhere.
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A docent would be a good idea, but keep in mind that with the current bookstore cafés, there is a bookstore, and a separate café business within the bookstore. What we are suggesting is that ultimately, the café may
be the bookstore, with digital kiosks at the tables, displays of books around on the walls, and an assortment of reader devices for sale. Such an enterprise will compete on features as well as price, and one competitive feature could be knowledgeable staff able to discuss books and reader devices.