I have added this information as part of an answer to other people's questions, but thought it might help those of us who don't have the money to (or don't want to!) shop at Barnes 'n Noble, Borders, etc...

Being a librarian I would encourage you to look in your local library for information, whether general or a specific book. Even if it is not available there, they can probably order it for you through inter-library loan.

This process has saved me hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars over the last couple years in doing research for "homesteading."

Hope this helps someone.

-- hmm (h.m.metheny@att.net), January 13, 2002

Answers

Go to www.dogpile.com

-- matt johnson (wyo_cowboy_us@yahoo.com), January 13, 2002.

Amazon offers used books for sale. Enter the title of book you want, click on "used price" and a list of people with copies for sale (and their price) will come up). I have not used this service and do not know how the shipping, etc. work, but it sounds like a good alternative if you want to own a copy. Out of print books are also listed.

-- AyleeAnn (AyleeAnn@hotmail.com), January 13, 2002.

I have used the inter-library loan, and love it. However, I have found that the key to success with the loan system is finding a librarian who will help you. I have dealt with several librarians that view the inter library loan as a pain in their neck.

When buying books, I use abe.com and have had tremendous success.

-- clovis (clovis97@Yahoo.com), January 13, 2002.

I've said for years that you can have American Express, Visa and Mastercard. The most valuable card in my wallet is my library card.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), January 13, 2002.

If you're interested in buying a book used but want the lowest price check out bookfinder.

-- Darren (df1@infi.net), January 14, 2002.

ooh, thank you mr. darren! i had forgotten to bookmark that addy when i found it surfing one day. thanxs!

-- bj pepper in C. MS. (pepper.pepper@excite.com), January 14, 2002.

Clovis makes an excellent point about the librarian being important.

Also, interlibrary loan is only as good as the libraries in the network. Areas that have bad/nonexistent library hours (indicating little public support for the library) tend to not have good book buying budgets, which means the books aren't available, period. Sad but true.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), January 14, 2002.

half.com

-- steve (stevetamara@mindspring.com), January 14, 2002.