The offline bookstore …

… A model for the new bookstore (essay) | Inside Higher Ed. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)

In effect, the bookstore becomes a combination lending library and product showroom. “The books in the store shouldn’t be the focus of the revenue,” writes Sanfilippo. “Instead, the revenue might come from membership fees, book rentals, and referral fees for drop shipped new copies or e-book sales.”