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  • November 2013
  • Teaching Note
  • HBS Case Collection

Barnes & Noble: Managing the E-Book Revolution

By: Alan MacCormack, Brian Kimball Dunn and Chris F. Kemerer
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:11
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Abstract

In 2012, Barnes & Noble found itself in a difficult position. While the company had weathered the advent of online retailing relatively well, the arrival of electronic books (e-books) threatened the company's viability. Primary competitor Borders had already fallen by the wayside, and the decisions Barnes & Noble would take with regard to e-books would dictate whether the company would have a bright future. The case explores the arrival of the e-book industry, its history and key players, and provides a basis from which to explore Barnes & Noble's outlook and options as the company seeks to adapt to the onset of a transformative new technology.

Keywords

Technological Innovation; Internet and the Web; Adaptation; Books; Retail Industry

Citation

MacCormack, Alan, Brian Kimball Dunn, and Chris F. Kemerer. "Barnes & Noble: Managing the E-Book Revolution." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 614-040, November 2013.
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About The Author

Alan D. MacCormack

Technology and Operations Management
→More Publications

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  • Your Company Needs a Space Strategy. Now. By: Matthew Weinzierl, Prithwiraj (Raj) Choudhury, Tarun Khanna, Alan MacCormack and Brendan Rosseau
  • FIELD Immersion 2022: Salt Lake City, Utah By: Alan MacCormack and Kerry Herman
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