When people request that it not be a discarded library book. Are they getting this book so they can sell it?

Absolutely not.  Some people just prefer to not get ex library books.  They are allowed to have that requestor conditon.  It has nothing at all to do with reselling the book.

Not necessarily.  I think if they were going to resell, they'd be more likely to have conditions regarding that they are in excellent shape (which I've heard some people ask some VERY specific things regarding them being in good condition), but asking for it not to be ex-library isn't really a tip off they are going to resell.

And not everyone who asks for it to be in good shape plans to resell, either.  They may want it for a gift or for their permanent collection and thus want a better condition copy...  many other reasons as well. 

I am someone who has a "no ex-library books" RC. I'm definitely not reselling :-)

99&% of the books I request are paperback - exlibrary paperbacks tend to be very worn, so, even thought they MAY be postable, they are still not so pleasant to read IMHO.

Thanks for all the input

as mistie said, most, but not all, ex-library paperback books are in pretty sad shape.  However, most hardback copies are in excellent shape.  It just depends on the book.  I've gotten ex-library paperback books in very good condition and hardbacks that are really ready for permanent retirement to the trash.  Pat

There are some with allergies with that request too.  Can never tell where those books ahve been :)

For me, I buy a lot of exlibrary books when they are books that I only want to read, but if I'm going to keep them I prefer copies without all the stickers.

Yep, this is me as well--and yes, I have a no ex-library RC.

I volunteer at the local library and they're always having book sells. They're always pretty cheap and in good condition. I have a pretty big collection of books, when at one time I thought of running my own online business. But of course realizing that it wouldn't be profitable, now I just get books for my reading purposes. When I found this site I was ecstatic about sharing my books with others, then just a couple of days ago. I had wondered if some of my books weren't going to people whom intended to read but make a profit. Which I felt was wrong and completely defeated the purpose of this website. But I was told by the librarian that they keep tabs on suspicious members.  I still have some ex library books and continue to get them, in good condition. So if you don't mind them please look at my shelve. :)

Another reason is that the library  hardback version often has that plastic covering which means the book won't match the books you have collected in a series.  Some members want their series to all "match"-- some even want a specific cover!

I bought 2 recent Picoult hardbacks at the library sale.  Ex-lib books in PERFECT condition.  I have no idea why they were put in the sale, but I'm glad they were.  Been dying to read both.

I don't mind receiving ex-library books, but some might because they're often excessively worn and while still technically postable, just not as clean or pleasant as non-library books.

Some members do re-sell, I'm sure. But most of them don't. In most cases, it wouldn't be worth it to them.

I figure that when I'm sending out a big, heavy, valuable book, that's when it's most likely that the book will be re-sold. But since I also request books like that on occasion, I know that not everyone requesting those books is going to re-sell. Over all, I figure I'm getting my money's worth.

And yes, I understand that members have been caught re-selling, and have been dealt with.

Jenny, et al, most used books aren't worth that much - with ebay etc. it's pretty hard to make any real money off selling used books, unless you are a big automated concern or specialize in exotic out of print stuff, which is not the kind of thing that comes up on PBS much anyway. With the cost of shipping these days, it's hard to even cover your time and costs, which is why I haven't sold on half.com in years and just swap to get my unwanted books into the hands of people who will appreciate them.

Many of the ex-library copies I have received through PBS have been in awful, unpostable condition. One had stains all over the page edges, which should be an obvious no-no to post. It was a book that had come from my own local library, too, sent by someone in another state, so it had made its rounds.

That said, I have bought ex-library copies from my own library, but that is different to me because I can see them, touch them, smell them, etc. before committing to paying a little cash for them.

When I first started on PBS, I often bought my credits through the site, and at $3.49 a pop, I was not ok with getting an ex-library copy because that's essentially how much the book was "worth." And knowing that those books only cost about .50-1.00 just didn't work for me. This was also when I kept books I liked, and before I got my kindle. Now I give away books like crazy, and if it's something I really like, I'll purchase it if/when I want to read it again if I see an ebook deal or when I know I'm going to read it right then.

I think one of the problems with ex-library books on here is that some people think that since you can post one, it doesn't matter what condition it's in since it had belonged to a library.  What people need to realize is that these books are still supposed to meet other qualifications on here-- no stains, no writing on pages (other than the library's markings), the spine should still be intact, etc.  I think that some people think that since it says ex-library books are okay to post, that they can be in any condition & that's just not true.

I've received ex-library books on here that were in good condition & some that were a bit iffy.  I could definitely see some people being burned by getting some in bad condition so they decide they no longer want to receive any others & risk it.  Jennifer has a point too-- if you're spending a credit on a book, you at least want it to live up to PBS standards & ex-library books sometimes walk a thin line.

Jennifer.......include NO EX-LIBRARY BOOKS in your requestor conditions and you won't have to deal with them.

It's a personal preference......all of the ex-library books I have received through PBS have been in very good condition. Sorry that your swapping experience has not been the same.