The County Library discussion

When I am reserving a book online is there a way to know if it is a hardback or paperback book?

Jess wrote: "When I am reserving a book online is there a way to know if it is a hardback or paperback book?"

Not straight out. Sometimes something can give you a clue. For instance, the size of the book can provide a clue. If the book is 18 cm., it's more likely to be a paperback. If a book is 25 cm or larger, it may be more likely to be hardback, but not as likely as an 18 cm being paperback. A large print is most often a hardback. These guidelines about sizes applies only to books for adults. Such guidelines go out the window for kids books.

Sometimes a series will identify something as paperback or a note might mention it is a paperback. All of these different things are found from the listing of the book from a search if you click on More information.

Libraries do tend to prefer hardback because they are more durable but some titles just aren't available in hardback or the hardback is so considerably more expensive that paperback is the better choice. Sometimes the librarians figure the circulation of the book won't be high enough to justify the higher cost of hardback so decide to get the paperback version.

Jess wrote: "When I am reserving a book online is there a way to know if it is a hardback or paperback book?"

Not a surefire way, but if there are two editions, look at the dates. If one says "2008" and the other says "2009, 2008", the one with the more recent date is likely to be a paperback. Or you can call the library and ask them to look for you; they can look at the price of an individual library entry. The catch is that sometimes the library itself won't differentiate...

Thank you that helps me.

It really depends on what data is included in the record. Sometimes, a different record just means that the cover art changed, and sometimes it means that it's in a different format. Both Debbie and Alyson's suggestions were a good idea of some things to look for though. I don't know if there is anything I could add to that.