In response to three recent studies on the new and used book market, Abebooks said it can confirm that online sales for used books are reaching new heights and are in fact exceeding the growth reported in the reports. The three studies were conducted by Ipsos-Reid BookTrends, the Book Industry Study Group (BISG), and Book Hunter Press. Hannes Blum, CEO and president of online used-book marketplace Abebooks, suggests all of the studies have actually underestimated the potential of the used book market.

"These studies are showing a very important trend," explains Blum. "We've seen it coming: last year the number of used books sold on Abebooks.com rose to heights well beyond what the current studies are showing. Selection and price are the key drivers for online used-book sales. Whether you're an avid reader, a student, or a serious collector-everyone likes to find a treasure and a bargain."

Abebooks.com said two areas of rising demand for used books are children's books and textbooks. Adults are purchasing the books they read as children to give to their own children. Since over 95% of all books ever published are now out of print, the main source for these books is with used, rare and out-of-print book sellers online. Sales of used textbooks are also soaring, according to Abebooks.

http://www.abe.com