There have been many questions about the use of AI in the modern world, and nowhere has that been more pronounced than in the creative industry. In the early innings of the AI revolution, entire swathes of the sector sought to insulate themselves from the changing landscape, ranging from strikes by Hollywood actors and writers to content licensing deals among news and media companies. As time goes on, more are opening up to the possibilities afforded by AI, even incorporating its tools and productions into their ecosystems.

The latest: Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt, who has been leading a revival of the bookstore chain, is open to changes coming to the industry. That includes AI-written literature, though he doesn't yet think they "are going to get much commercial traction." Until now, many in the publishing industry had been worried about books created by machines, for reasons ranging from concerns about losing the "human connection" to fears that such content would be based on copyrighted works or replace authors.

"I have actually no problem selling any book, as long as it doesn't masquerade or pretend to be something that it isn't," Daunt declared. "As long as an AI-written book says it's an AI-written book and doesn't pretend to be something else and isn't ripping off somebody else, as long as that's clearly stated and the customer wants to buy it, then we will stock them."

Outlook: Under CEO James Daunt, Barnes & Noble made major shifts to remain competitive in the disruptive online world. Daunt scrapped the traditional store format, ensuring each outlet custom-tailored its shelves to its community. Localized curation was followed by smaller, flexible layouts, as well as the end of practices that allowed big publishing houses to pay for real estate at the front of the store or on display tables. With the changes producing intended results, Barnes & Noble transitioned to an aggressive growth phase, opening 61 new stores in 2024, followed by 67 last year, and plans to open 60 more locations in 2026. Its hedge fund owner, Elliott Management, is currently preparing to take the retail chain public again, which might be bundled with U.K. sister bookstore chain, Waterstones, under a listing in London.