Oh, I'm well aware of how reading material is now available in more forms than ever, from more sources than ever, and for less cost than ever.

What I'm not clear on these days is how folks deal with this abundance. Or, as is the case for most of us, ferreting out those few jewels in the acres of choices that now confront us.

Never before has the bookseller's function as a filter and guide been more needed, yet less able to be payed for as part of the transaction.