ABACUS in Jeopardy: ABA Board Urges Member Participation

ABACUS, one of the American Booksellers Association's most valuable services to members, has become one of the most threatened, due to sharp declines in participation in 2007 and 2008. The ABACUS financial survey of ABA member store operations will only continue if enough booksellers submit their data -- via a completely secure and confidential electronic form -- to this year's project before the August 15 deadline.

Last week, in a letter to members, the ABA Board said, "Whether it's creating a business plan for a start-up loan or preparing to renegotiate a lease, ABACUS is a unique and powerful tool for success. In other industries, people routinely pay hundreds of dollars for comparable research, and ABA is pleased to provide ABACUS as a benefit of membership." However, the Board said, "If bookstore participation does not increase significantly this year, the project's future is threatened."

ABACUS submissions are completely confidential. Former ABA CEO Avin Mark Domnitz, who is overseeing this year's survey, will be the only person who will see any individual store's numbers.

"In a financial landscape that has become far more challenging, the business roadmap that ABACUS provides is essential," said the Board. "But it can only be created if together more of us make the decision to participate. Please, don't assume that other booksellers will be the ones to help sustain this incredibly important resource. Join with them today. Completing the easy-to-use ABACUS online form takes about an hour."

Here's a link to more information and the survey form and a contact form where booksellers can submit questions.