Len RiggioJust ahead of an announcement from Barnes & Noble for a tablet-version of its Nook e-book reader, company chairman Len Riggio declared in a keynote address for the 2011 PubWest Conference, “We are committed as ever to the future of our bookstores, and to bookstores in general. We will adapt to whatever the new world will bring us.”

Introduced by Dominique Raccah, Sourcebooks founder, Riggio recalled how the paperback revolution of a generation ago not only fed his intellect but also fueled his ambitions as a bookseller. “No industry is more important to the advancement of civilization,” he said.

PubWest LogoRiggio also noted how technology is shaping the industry’s future. “Media and technology have become one,” he said, and assured his audience that, “the enormity of our investment in technology serves you as well.”

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