big talk from small libraries 2014: how to stretch a small budget – consider buying used books
DESCRIPTION
Significant savings can be had by sometimes purchasing used books instead of new for your library. Think about it – a standard used book is in the same condition as one already on your shelf that has been checked out once or twice. Purchasing used books also usually gets the books to you faster. Hear some practical tips on how to do it, and what to look out for, from a librarian who spends thousands of dollars every year on used books.TRANSCRIPT
How to Stretch a Small Budget
Consider Buying Used Books
Big Talk From Small Libraries Conference
February 28, 2014 - Eric Palo, Renton Technical College
Harvard Book Store© 2014 www.harvard.com
Eric Palo• Lynnwood Public Library• Seattle Public Library• Pittsburg State University• University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill• University of Washington• Shoreline Community
College• Renton Technical College
– Renton Washington
Why buy used books?
• Save money• The quality is better
than you think• Get them fast• Respond to hard to
fill & unexpected demand Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Division Reproduction Number: LC-USZC4-4267
Saving Money• Our library saves between 25% and 40%
when buying used books.• We spend thousands of dollars a year for
used books at Powells Books. (www.powells.com)
• For instance, I can get the new John Grisham novel for almost 1/3 off.
Amazon for 3rd party vendors
Quality is better than you think
Used book we got last week
Copy we already had on the shelf
Condition Notes
You can Look at The Guidelines for Sellers
From the Powells website
From the Amazon website
Amazon Condition & Vendors
And Many Others
Get Books Fast• Shipping is quite fast
because used books should be in stock, or they would not be listed
• At Powells they process orders in 1 to 3 days (Partner and International Warehouses take longer)
Workers unloading crates of books at the Chicago Public Library.
DN-0068145, Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago History Museum
Get Books FastMost vendors offer a variety of shipping options. At Powells:• ECONOMY MAIL is free on
most orders over $50 and take 4-9 business days (after processing) to arrive
• STANDARD GROUND is 2-7 business for $5.99 + $1.99 per item
• They also offer 3 DAY EXPRESS, 2ND DAY AIR, NEXT DAY AIR at higher rates.
U.S. Mail Wagon, Wausa, Nebraska, about 1900Nebraska State Historical Society - No. 103323
Respond to hard to fill demand
Need extra copies of a suddenly popular book?
Used books, if available, fill a need quickly and you don’t feel guilty if you toss them next year.
Get Books for Unexpected Demand
Questions?• Staley, L., & Palo, E. (2010).
Extend one's budget: Buy used books. The Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances, 23(3), 116-121.
• How to Make Money …– 2:00pm today
Book of Pictures Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Thanks for listening!
Eric Palo – Self Portrait!