Be it books on physics; environment or ethnic studies, books have always had great value. However, times have changed. We are living an era of "information overload". Radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and the internet have opened the information floodgates. We no longer find it necessary to buy as many books as our parents did. On most subjects, the information is available online in a comprehensive and updated fashion, cross linked to other areas of study that we may need or find interesting. There is merit in procuring ethnic studies textbooks online. However, online reading can be very confusing not to mention intimidating. Books, on the other hand, tent to be narrower in scope and therefore are more manageable.

Let's take a real example in the subject of ethnic studies. Students are prescribed a certain set of textbooks but have innumerable number of reference books to choose from. Given that buying books has limited value, why buy new books at all? Brand new books come at a huge premium and don't offer incremental benefits. In the same budget that a student buys x new books, he or she can buy x+y books allowing him or her to experience and learn more. Depending on the state and year of the used book, it can come at a 25-40% cost saving.

Used books are no longer just an option for people who cannot afford new books. Used ethnic studies textbooks marts are popular destinations for students from all walks of life. They save money, read more and do the trees a big favor. They can also choose to sell or give away their used books helping the recycling effort greatly. Not to mention the tidy sum they pocket in the process.

Times have changed and so has the way we process information. We get constant updates on our mobiles, see internet kiosks everywhere and get most of our books online. While it's ok to buy books when you love them, there is no point buying new copies. Libraries work on the same concept except that the book is not "owned" but "borrowed". It is consequently available for a smaller period which may not be enough for the user. There are also not enough copies of the same book in a library since the idea is based around doing reference work.

In summary, used book marts are a great option for students of ethnic studies as well as other subjects. Books can be viewed online and ordered at the click of a button, all in the comfort of one's dorm. Buying books cheaper allows you to read more books than you would if you chose to buy them at full price. Online marts also offer a bigger selection than bookstores as they don't need to commit physical space to storing books.