At the October meeting of the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association board of directors, the board adopted two position statements regarding "the rise of two issues at publishers and the effect these are having on our members' stores." The statements, which were released yesterday in NAIBAhood News, are:
"First, we have seen too many deals and specials made by publishers directly to consumers, and some publishers who consistently discount their own books for direct sales. If publishers do not honor their own listed publisher price, it has far-reaching consequences for our industry. The NAIBA Board adopted the following statement:
NAIBA expects every publisher to respect the relationships between the local bookseller and members of their community. NAIBA opposes any publisher's decision to offer books directly to consumers below list price.
"Second, the NAIBA Board remains very concerned about the increasing incidents of publishers circumventing independent bookstores and offering single title special sales directly to community groups at rates that bookstores cannot be expected to match. This goes to the heart of our stores' financial viability and erodes our standing in our communities. The NAIBA board adopted the following statement:
NAIBA expects every publisher to respect the relationships between the local bookseller and members of their community. When a publisher offers direct special sales at deep discount, it damages the publisher's historic partnership with local booksellers. NAIBA expects every publisher to develop policies that emphasize directing special sales to local independents.
NAIBA said it wanted to hear from members who have had problems along these lines.