MACHINES which can print and dispense books in just seven minutes are to be introduced in UK bookstores.
Blackwell bookshop plans to test the US-developed Espresso Book Machines in shops this autumn and eventually hopes to roll them out across its 60 UK outlets.
The self-service machines have been installed in nine sites worldwide, including the Wo
rld Bank in Washington in the United States, and the Library of Alexandria, Egypt.
Creator On Demand Books says it currently takes about seven minutes to produce a fully bound 200-page title.
A newer model which has a double printer will be able to produce a book every three minutes.
Blackwell says that by working closely with publishers, it will widen the range of titles available to customers in-store.
The technology will also allow it to compete with online booksellers such as Amazon.
Chief executive Vince Gunn said: "This is a fantastic opportunity."
He added: "We can sell to demand with no risk to inventory and there is an opportunity to create incremental revenue streams for ourselves and publishers."
Blackwell has not finalised details of the trial sites or how much the books will cost.
However, On Demand says the books will match the quality of factory-made copies.
Chief executive Dane Neller said Blackwell's academic and specialist focus meant it was suited to the machine.
The full article contains 232 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
