bookseller

A bookseller is a person or business that buys and sells books, across formats including printed, digital, and audio. Booksellers may operate retail stores, wholesalers, or online shops; some specialize in new books, others in used, antiquarian, or rare titles. The term covers independent bookstores, chain outlets, and online platforms that inventory and sell books to the public or to institutions.

Etymology: from book plus seller; the term has medieval roots. The trade expanded with the printing press in the 15th century in Europe, with famous early centers in Venice, Paris, and London. In London, the Stationers' Company regulated many booksellers and printers through licensing and trade rules.

Activities: sourcing and acquiring stock; cataloging; pricing; customer service; organizing events; valuations of rare books; appraisals; maintaining inventories; selling to readers, libraries, schools, and other institutions. Types of booksellers include new-book retailers, used and rare-book dealers (antiquarian booksellers), and online-only booksellers. Some operate as part of publishers, distributors, or educational suppliers.

Industry context: The rise of mass-market chains and online marketplaces has transformed distribution, often pressuring independent shops. Digital formats and self-publishing have changed demand. Yet many communities support local bookstores for recommendations, author events, and access to diverse titles. Regulation includes copyright, ISBN assignment, and import/export rules.

Overall, booksellers facilitate access to literature and knowledge, playing a key role in the cultural ecosystem of reading.