Taiwan Association of Independent Bookshop Culture

Q & A

- 1.What was the reason behind the founding of the Taiwan Association of Independent Bookshop Culture?
- During that time, bookstores were not very popular, the most popular stores are the ones that sold stationeries because Taiwanese books weren’t that popular. However, that type of bookstores still has a problem of what to sell. As I was reading books, the bookstores did not display their books well. It felt really troublesome to find the books that I wanted. So, I started thinking about opening a bookstore that was complete and professional, a bookstore where you could get any type of book you would want. That is how I decided upon starting this independent bookshop.

- 2. What were the difficulties and obstcles the organization faced when founded?
- The first problem that I encountered was when I ordered the books. It felt like there was a huge pile of books, however, after putting books on the bookshelves, it felt like so little. So, here's how the problem was solved. I'd already told my friends that I was going to open the store tomorrow, so some of these students and friends would come and visit the bookstore. I remember one of the students is from the Department of Economics. He saw how depressed I was and asked me why I was sad even though I was going to have a store opening tomorrow. I told him that the bookshelves were really empty and it frustrated me. I didn’t have any more money to order more books. What should I do? He told me that, instead of having the spine fo the books face outwards, I should have the cover of the book facing outwards. After listening to him and doing what he told me to do, the bookstore felt full already!

- 3. What are the requirements to join the association? If he/she does not work in the independent bookstore, can they still join the association?
- We are pretty flexible. If you want to join, then join. If you want to leave, then leave. It’s only because we want to give the government someone accountable. So if the survey needs to be completed, every year, we will do it. Once it is accepted, we could join again next year. People who aren’t from the bookstore industry are still welcome to join the association.

- 4. What events does the association usually host？
- For example, last year, the association went to The Ministry of Culture funding and hosted a few events. It was just like an international book fair. Of course, we were there but not only to see the view. We also hosted a speech to others on how to open a bookstore or something else would be asking an author of their book to talk about their own productions.

- 5. After founding the independent bookstore association, what was your biggest accomplisment?
- There is not really much of an accomplisment, I feel like beforing doing buisness, it was just an idea. But now the establishment of the independent bookstore, I began to appreciate things more. For example, some bookstores would come ask me for help and ask how to deal with their buisness on having their own bookstores. These are all things that you can not get with money. I feel like this type of happiness is just like when I was in the scouts when I was little. I helped others just like how volunteer works are. This kind of happiness is a lot better than earning money.

- 6. Do you think there are any special characteristics in this store? How does this store bring out the characteristics to attract customers? What’s the store’s style?
- Tang Shan’s bookstore’s special characteristics is how professional we are. These 30 years we’ve only sold social studies and human subjects. We feel that we are defined as a more old brand. A new bookstore could probably not understand these types of things. But all of us understand most of it, so if one needs a book, it would be easier for us to help them out since our bookstore is professional at these types of stuff. Another thing is even if we don’t sell any books, my colleagues and I are still serious about work. So, our bookstore’s special characteristic would be our focus!

- 7. Do you have advertisements for the bookstore?
- Advertisements are needed. Before when we need to register an advertisement, send a fax, I need to consider a lot about the costs. But now it is a lot better. With the internet’s convinience, we do not even need to waste any money for advertising. I feel like this part is one of our weakest parts as a team, but also the most positive part for us.

- 8. What do you think is the value of Independent bookstores in society?
- Looking from a higher perspective, independent bookstores have become the center of a mini cultural society. They provide people with a place to buy and read books in both the cities and suburbs; in this process, the bookstores help spread culture and the opportunities to read.

- 9. Does the government help independent bookstores in any way?
- This type of bookstore and other independent bookstores at other places, if we use a different point of view to look at it, they turn into a minature culture center. We provide people near or villagers who like to read books a place to buy books. The process of getting the books, it virtually spreads the cultural opportunities and reading.

- 10. What influence from the Taiwan Association for Independent Bookshop Culture do you hope to bring to the independent bookstores?
- The most important thing is that the independent bookstores need to be known by more people. The independent bookstore in Taiwan is a distinct characteristic of Asia’s culture. The members of the association have also been looking forward for the independent bookstores to be loved, be valued, and be seen. For example, every year we will publish maps and books about independent bookstores. Visitors can go to the independent bookstores and not just the National Palace Museum. Don’t just think about Eslite Spectrum when we talk about bookstores. Maybe there will be hidden independent bookstores in the alleys too.

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