Used Bookstores and Preservation.

Antiquarian dealers have long provided book collectors with works of high value maintained in the best condition. However, used bookstores, tucked away on no-name streets, have long been the locations book collectors go to for "finds." Collectors hope to find unrecognized treasures within the shelves of these shops and purchase them at the reduced prices they offer. The question must be posed of what is the condition of these ‘finds?’ What preservation techniques do the stores follow in order to protect their items, particularly in damp climates such as London or areas affected by natural disasters such as New Orleans? Through research and interviews with staff and owners of these stores, an idea of the condition of the older and more valuable works will be gained, as well as the maintenance of their more contemporary collections, to make a conjecture as to whether these books will remain in good condition throughout their life on the shelf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]