How to Find an Out of Print Book

If you are in search of a long lost book that is currently out of print, there are several ways to go about finding a copy. With a little research and searching, you should be able to get your hands on a copy of that book after all. Read on to learn how to find an out of print book.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Telephone
• Credit card for online ordering

1. Do a Google search. Type the name of the book and the author in the Google search bar and see if any results come up. You may be happily surprised to find an online book shop come up with the title you are looking for.
2. Research eBay. This is an easy checkpoint. If you do a search on Ebay you may find someone who is selling the book you are looking for. Search for the title of the book first. If that doesn’t give you any results, do a search of the author’s name. Remember, when buying on Ebay you should always check the seller’s feedback rating to make sure they are reputable. Also, because Ebay is primarily an auction site, you may have to put a bid in and wait to see if you are the winning bidder. Or, you can check for Buy It Now listings, which means you pay the specified price and the item is yours instantly.
3. Check online booksellers. There are several great websites that are devoted to out of print books. Two of the best are Alibris and Abe Books. You can do a search by title or author, even specifying if you are looking for first edition or signed copies. While the cost of the book may be pricey, you can find some very rare books on these sites. Another website, Book Finder, will show you comparison results from all of the top online booksellers.
4. Amazon.com is a great resource for out of print books. If the title is not available from any of Amazon’s sellers, you can request to be emailed when someone has a copy to sell. This is a great way to keep your book request out there.
5. Consider used books stores. Used book stores are a great place to look for out of print books. Most used booksellers have great resources--if you give them a title they will try their hardest to get locate a copy of the book you are looking for. If you are having a hard time find a particular book, call every used book shop in your area and get the word out on what you are looking for. Eventually, a copy will turn up.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get discouraged--someone, somewhere, has a copy of that book you are looking for. Be diligent in your search and you won't be disappointed.