Library and Information Sciences

Library and Information Sciences

Studying Environmental and Cultural Aspects of Second-Hand Books

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahgol Kamarava 1
Mohsen Haji Zeinolabedini 2
Amir Reza Asnafi 3
1 MSc. in Information Management, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Information Science and Knowledge Studies, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Information Science and Knowledge Studies, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
10.30481/lis.2025.557500.2311
Abstract
Objective: Second-hand books refer to works that have been previously used by one or more individuals. These books hold a special significance in the book market due to their lower prices and the ability to access rare or out-of-print editions. Furthermore, second-hand books are recognized as a part of the sustainable consumption culture, which can help preserve natural resources and reduce excessive consumption. The aim of this study is to identify the role and significance of second-hand books in society and to analyze their cultural and environmental impacts, considering that the use of these books can also facilitate social interactions and universal access to reading resources.
Methodology: This study is applied in nature and adopts a qualitative approach. The needed data were collected through semi-structured interviews with two groups: environmental experts and professionals active in publishing and bookstores. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on their relevant experience and knowledge. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software and the thematic analysis method, with coding steps including open coding, extraction, and review of main and sub-themes. The findings were also visualized as conceptual maps using Visio 2020. The credibility and trustworthiness of the data were ensured through participant review, constant comparison, and verification by other researchers.
Findings: The findings indicate that the use of second-hand books has tangible environmental and cultural impacts. In the environmental dimension, reductions in natural resource consumption and paper production, improvements in recycling and reuse, and the complementary role of electronic books were highlighted. In the cultural dimension, the use of second-hand books facilitates cultural infrastructure, strengthens mutual trust in the exchange cycle, and emphasizes the importance of copyright. These results, derived from qualitative data analysis and the extraction of main and sub-themes, suggest that second-hand books, in addition to economic savings, can serve as a catalyst for cultural and environmental development.
Conclusion: The research results indicate that second-hand books play an important role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. They are regarded as valuable resources for accessing knowledge and classic works and can effectively reduce educational and cultural costs. Additionally, the use of second-hand books contributes to reducing paper production and natural resource consumption, which has positive environmental impacts. Moreover, by promoting the culture of sustainable consumption and reuse, these books can serve as effective tools in advancing green information literacy and raising awareness about the importance of conserving natural resources.
 
Keywords
second-hand books
culture of sustainable consumption
cultural aspects
environmental aspects
social aspects
book market
promoting a reading culture
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