With all the use college textbooks get, one may feel that college textbooks have a very demanding life, with some books more up to the task than others. To withstand the rigors of collegiate life, many books are built quite well. The more sturdily bound books tend to do well with regular use, although they may certainly sustain some damage if treated carelessly. However, with a reasonable amount of care, books may get used over and over, like the ones that may be bought, and subsequently resold via “textbook buyback” venues (like some of the online places where some students sell used textbooks). Literary novels in the form of paperbacks, are generally lightweight and portable, which is always a bonus for any busy student. However, these paperbacks may be damaged if handled incorrectly or too roughly. Although some individuals and students may have a tendency to take excellent care of their used textbooks, sometimes accidents can happen; books may fall on the floor, get kicked or bent or torn. Some people regularly dog-ear paperbacks and hardbacks. I would think it may be a good idea to try not to bend the pages too much on academic textbooks that one intends to try to resell after they’re finished with it, if only for the reason that someone else might appreciate when the page in a book they’re studying is in good condition rather than bent. There are some college enrollees who may not study their books at all (for whatever reason), and their books might be left in desks, on shelves, or in bags for an entire term or semester.
Whether new and used books have been read or not, rarely do texts survive their college life totally unscathed. In fact, some books are purposely marked for life. Although years ago, it was once frowned upon to write in a book, students today don’t seem to mind writing or highlighting important passages in their books in bright yellow (or green or pink or blue or purple). Perhaps students may circle a funny paragraph (which happens many times, even in academic textbooks), a question mark next to an unfamiliar word or confusing concept, or some heartily drawn exclamation marks next to an evocative quote or excerpt! Some college textbook buying companies, bookstores, and individuals have various policies about the condition of the books they’d want to buy; some don’t mind reasonable highlighting, others have limits, while others have other policies or rules. Therefore, books that students intend to try and sell might be ones they should consider not drawing pictures in or marking them all up. Life at college or university for books is not without its interesting stories and there are sometimes a few of those stories about some books that didn’t fair too well if they were mistreated. But the good news is that most of the books out there are extremely resilient and will lead long lives at their chosen college or university, helping all those eager students to succeed.