What is a Book Worth?

The first ~ and only ~ time that my husband and I ventured into a used bookstore with a few of our treasured editions ~ editions that we had agonized over (it is not easy parting with books), we were slightly miffed that after an illusory glance, the proprietor dismissed all but one of our books. And that was in the trunk of our car; we didn't get past the curb.

Now that we are on the other end of things, we agonize over telling people that we are selective about giving credit for books. Many are destined for the clearance bin or worse, the recycle. We have a written Trade-Credit Policy. No musty, smoky or mangled books. Must be in demand, of recent publication and required for our inventory. That eliminates health-related books from the 80's, for example. (There are books that went the way of the buggy whip.)

What is a book worth? Yes, it is usually only an illusory glance that sends books into the yard sale, the dime-a-dozen charity, the antiquarian internet search or ~ the one or two worth shelving in a small bookshop.