Bookstore Employee Interview

I decided to interview Shea Griffin. She is currently a sophomore secondary english education major. I met her in January while I was buying my books at Barnes and Noble. She noticed that I had the same books as her, and we realized that we were in two classes together. 

When did you start working at Barnes and Noble?

I started working at Barnes and Noble this past September.

Why did you choose to apply to Barnes and Noble?

I wanted to apply there because it is so close to where I live, and I am interested in books.

Did you need to know anything about books before you were hired?

Not at all!

Are most of the employees TCU students?

No, we actually have a big variety. There are a few older workers, but we also have a few Paschal employees.

What do you typically do on a normal day at work?

I'm usually at the cash register. Sometimes, I pull books and restock.

Do you feel like print books are dying out due to e-books?

No! I personally do not like e-books. Whenever people come into Barnes and Noble, they are usually looking for print books...(if they aren't there for the clothes).

Who are your typical customers?

We mostly have TCU students come in, but there are also some families and TCU alumni.

Do most people rent or buy their textbooks?

Based on my experience, more people are renting their textbooks now.

What is your favorite thing about working at the bookstore?

My favorite thing is definitely the discount! (35%)

Is this your first time to work at a bookstore?

Yes, it is.

How do you think working at Barnes and Noble would differ from working at a small, privately-owned bookstore?

I think I would prefer to work at a small bookstore. Barnes and Noble is too corporate for me. Also, I think the small bookstore would actually focus on the books more than clothes and team spirit.

How many days a week do you work?

I usually work three days a week.

What is your least favorite thing about working at the bookstore?

I am normally just standing around, so my feet hurt at the end of the day. Also, I dont like that the clothes are the big focus of our store.

Do you think bookstores will continue to be successful?

Honestly, I don't think that many of them will last. A lot of the big stores are suffering, such as Borders, so I don't think the others will have any better luck. Amazon is taking over.

What do you think is in store for the future of books?

I really hope that books survive. I think that books will become more like movies instead of Literature(with a capital L). I expect to see more books like The Hunger Games.