This is a sort of semi-hypothetical question. It's a real situation I find myself in, but I realize that most people likely don't really realistically have both options, and also there's really no "bad" choice here.
There's this semi-obscure book that I want to read, and it's not available at my local library. In your opinion, is it "better" (for society, I guess) to:
- have a local independent bookstore source it, and purchase it personally from them, OR
- request for your local library to acquire it and add it to their collection
by mattenthehat
8 Comments
Library.
Have you considered buying it from the local store and then donating it to the library after reading it?
Better for society maybe library but they have all sort of budget regulations.
What if they spend resources to get this obscure book but then no one else checks it outs other than you?
They would have been better off getting a popular book that others check out.
Assuming of course they actually go and get that book.
I’d say better for a local bookstore to get it for you. You both benefit then you can donate it to the library. Everyone wins.
Thriftbooks then donate to library
Having books shared through a library is a lot like public transportation. Owning a car feels good and has its place, but a shared system means many people can benefit from the same resource instead of it being used a few times and then sitting in a private collection where it goes unutilized.
I agree with the person saying donate after buying, that’s the best of both worlds.
For society? The library. You’d return it to them and it would be available for another person, whereas you simply keep the purchased book unless passed on to another reader or something.
For the author? The store in the short term, the library in the long run, but not too much difference in benefit. Best thing you can do for them is review it and recommend it to others.
Name the book, I’ll see if we have it (I’m an obscure book hoarder).
Local bookstore for me. It’s an endangered species. I go to a used book store that has a very small selection of new releases. They will order me any book I want. For indie books, Amazon is unfortunately the best way.