Developmental Issues& Human Resource Management: The Current Status and Future Perspective of Taiwanese Independent Bookstores

Abstract

noneIndependent bookstores in Taiwan are very diverse and distinguished. With theuniqueness of the operators, thematic book-selection, and well-designed physicalenvironment, Taiwanese independent bookstores are getting more and more attention from the public in recent years. However, due to the innovation of technology, the situation of publication industry and book retailing market had been drastically changed. This research intends to figure out the current situation in Taiwanese independent bookstores. What are the main challenges that independent bookstores are facing? What kind of tactics that independent bookstores conduct to survive in the market? What are the future expectations of independent bookstore? As stated above, this research conducted in-depth interviews with seven independent bookstores in Taiwan as research units. The researcher interviewed either owner or employees from these independent bookstores, and combined with document review and observation to obtainthe result. After data analysis, this study summarized the results and providedsuggestion for government, independent bookstore operators, and future scholars, as well as urging more individuals to pay attention to this fascinating cultural treasure.