Paperbacks are a cheaper version of their hardback counterparts. Or are they?
In the library world, books must be made durable to endure use by multiple patrons and last through periodic shelving shifts. Hardbacks are already equipped to handle such treatment thanks to their pretty exoskeletons. For paperbacks, a thin one must be added.
Although buying paperbacks is cheaper, covering them is not. Covering requires costs in areas of manpower, equipment, and materials. The library must pay an employee for their time to cover the book or hire additional employees to help ensure that new arrivals are on the shelves as quickly as possible. The covering process requires tools (a cutting board) and materials (the covers).
These additional costs may actually make purchasing paperbacks more expensive than their hardback brother. A library should address each of these issues when determining which version is the most cost efficient to purchase.
