Miller Article

Miller’s main argument is that bookstores, especially chains, commodify the notion of community and this is problematic because it allows only a narrow definition of community and it is precariously tied to the financial success of the given store. It wasn’t too much of a stretch to relate the issues facing bookstores to libraries. One could make the analogy that independent bookstores are to chains as libraries are to bookstores in general. The community that both bookstores and libraries provide is generally book centered and offers a variety of events/ services that range from entertainment to education and everywhere in between. It’s not so clear where libraries fit in terms of economies. Libraries do receive financial support from the public and thus are able to provide the services that they do but it’s not the exact same financial arrangement that bookstores are a part of so one can’t make a direct comparison between the two in that sense.

Miller brings up how independent bookstores are similar and different to chains. The structure of the large chains makes it difficult for them to respond to the tastes of the people they serve but at the same time it doesn’t mean that an independent store, or a library, will necessarily do this better just because they are local. Financially, independent bookstores are in a better position to give back to their communities than chains. Obviously, libraries give back too. One could argue some give back financially through specific outreach programs but you don’t have to go that far to say that libraries improve quality of life in their community.