Libraries selling withdrawn books on TradeMe

Abstract

Purpose -Some public libraries have experimented with selling withdrawn books via online auction sites, but there has been little exchange of information about the benefits of this and whether it is a practice other libraries could follow. This paper aims to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach -Original data are collected through interviews with six practitioners. Findings -All libraries were using TradeMe for opportunistic reasons. They had withdrawn books to sell and hoped that a national market would realise better prices than in-house sales. Although prices were usually better, not all books sold and the staff costs were often higher than the revenues brought in. Research limitations/implications -The research is limited to six public libraries in NewZealand. Practical implications -Library managers learn from experience that they can generate some revenue by selling withdrawn books through online auction sites, but only if staff costs are kept down. Partnerships with dealers or interested individuals have potential. Organisations should think about integrating web activity into an e-commerce strategy. Originality/value -This is the first thorough assessment of the benefits and drawbacks to the activity of public libraries selling withdrawn books via an online auction site.