Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Ph.D. Student in Knowledge and Information Management, Department of Information Science and Knowledge Studies, Department of Psychology and Educational Science, Shiraz University, Fars, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Information Science and Knowledge Studies, Department of Psychology and Educational Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the economic and functional aspects of the second-hand book market in Iran in the context of rising publishing costs and declining consumer purchasing power. By addressing both dimensions simultaneously, it fills a gap in the Persian-language literature on second-hand books.
Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed. Qualitative data were collected through 20 semi-structured interviews with publishers, booksellers, publishing professionals, and experts, and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. In the quantitative phase, questionnaires were completed by 206 university students with experience purchasing second-hand books through convenience and snowball sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Findings: The findings reveal that the second-hand book market performs both economic and functional roles. Economically, it reduces access costs, creates income opportunities, supports flexible pricing, and facilitates book circulation through the informal market. Overall, 92.7% of respondents identified lower prices as their primary motivation for purchasing second-hand books. Functionally, the market improves access to academic and cultural resources, extends the life cycle of books, facilitates access to rare and out-of-print titles, and reduces resource waste. Textbooks, classic literature, and historical works were the most frequently purchased categories.
Conclusion: As part of the circular economy, the second-hand book market contributes to reducing consumers' financial burden, improving access to information resources, and promoting more efficient use of cultural resources. However, challenges such as non-standardized pricing, inconsistent book quality, and weak market infrastructure remain. Strengthening digital platforms and transparent market mechanisms could improve market efficiency and sustainability.
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