Are you desparate to find a book?  Most of my home is covered in books of all kinds that I've needed or wanted. For many years, I've looked for the least expensive way to fill my literary habit.  Of course, there are libraries and mine knows me well.  But there are always books you want to keep.  This is what I've learned about finding inexpensive ways to buy books.

      Online shopping.

           When I'm looking for a specific book, I usually hit Ebay's discount on-line site.  Half.com is the best one I've found for getting what I need. So far, I've had really good experiences with these sellers. If they don't have it listed, I can go to their on-line store, compliments of Half.com and ask for it.  Or use the search method to find out what seller has the book I need.

 One thing I would caution though.  Usually they ship the slowest method since some of the books can be weighty (pun intended).  You may have to wait the maximum time for the Post Office to deliver them.  I've found books on little-known subjects or on subjects that I was the only one I knew interested in them. Sometime I just browse and find something I haven't thought about reading before. As for textbooks, I usually find out what I need way before class begins and order it from either Ebay or Half.com.  If you need it right away, there's always the expedited shipping.  It would still be a bargain over buying from the big chain bookstores.

 Since it is online, I would use every method Ebay and Half.com has out there to insure my purchase as well as my personal information. But on-line has become my source for books that I really want and don't mind waiting to get. Or need right away and still save money.