Digital BW, The Print

I've read numerous posts about RGB workflows, scanning in RGB, etc.  
Bear with me, if you would, because I'm still trying to make sense of 
all the technical info.

Perhaps a simple question (if there is one in this area!): To get the 
best results from my Epson 980 using the OEM inks on Epson heavy 
weight matte paper would I be better off scanning RGB and working 
with an RGB image in Photoshop or scanning and working with a 
grayscale image from beginning to end?  My workflow has been to scan 
as a BW negative (8 bit), work with a grayscale image in Photoshop 
(LE version, for now) and print in color using the Epson driver.  
After alot of trial and error, I'm getting much better results today 
than a year ago, but the results are not always predictable.  
Unfortunately, the software controls available for my Canoscan 2710 
using the Canon software are not the best.

Also, any recommendations for a good book on BW digital printing or 
Photoshop techniques?  I've learned quite alot from "The Digital 
Darkroom: B&W Techniques using Photoshop" by George Schaub, but many 
of the topics discussed on this List are completely new to me.

TIA for any advice or tips for a relative beginner.

Gary Benson
Eagle River, Alaska