Yes, I keep all of mine. About half of my library consists of books devoted to film and related entertainment branches. Another large portion is given over to ancient history. The rest is a mix of other non-fiction and fiction. Most of my fiction is paperback, collected from my pre-teen years. Over the last five years, due to a divorce, I've had to sell off some of the most valuable books and still let go of things I know I'll never read again or just don't need anymore. I'm setting aside some duplicate film books for later sale, perhaps in our own classified folder, stuff like "Dreams of Darkness" and "The Dead That Walk."

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Something to think about is how readily available are the books, vs. the demand for them? If it's a film reference book you know that you won't look at again that is not currently in print, chances are someone out there might be looking for it. If so, rather than go through a local bookstore, Ebay or the classifieds here might provide you with an outlet. (Like Tim pointed out, a used bookstore is not going to offer top dollar. The same goes for used VHS and DVD at video stores, no matter how good you've taken care of them.)


For nearly a decade I've worked for a large used bookstore chain (88 stores) so I have experienced both the selling and buying of books. The bottom line is as stated by BijouBob8mm: supply and demand. It is clear that many people don't understand this axiom or how it works, especially as applied to the particulars of running a used bookstore. As with all things, a book is only worth a certain dollar value if you can find the person to whom it is that valuable. So, if you have a book that is considered valuable, seek out the individual who will pay that price. That is the only way to get top dollar.

With everyone buying DVDs these days, VHS tapes are glutting the used market. 90% of the titles (both in books and other media) we receive are just the same old stuff we see coming across our counters every day. How many copies of JURASSIC PARK or INDEPENDENCE DAY or CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER does a store need? We can't sell all we get at a $1 a pop. Imagine what we offer on a VHS that may not sell even at $1. And with so many titles coming out on DVD it just isn't wise to offer a great deal on OOP videos either.

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Does Barnes & Noble do a credit thing with good-condition books?


Unless they've changed their policy from when I worked for them then they don't buy used books. Some of the books in the bargain section LOOK used but are generally remainders and hurts.