I wasn't sure where to put this, but it IS for research purposes that I'm asking, so . . .
Suppose I need to do research on a particular NF topic or person, and I find there'd some very helpful titles out there that are now OOP. I want good copies, not falling apart, but these aren't really for collecting. I want them for research--and to possibly build up a library on X subject.
Where would you order such books? Do you find Abebooks most reliable? Should I check Powell's online? Do I dare buy through Amazon's "other" sellers or should I go through alibris or ebay or somewhere else?
In the past, I've bought plenty of secondhand books, but always in person--by browsing through local used book stores. But now that I need specific titles, I'm not sure where people get the best quality and the best price (if they don't care about it being signed or a first edition, etc.).
Maybe I can order them through my local used bookstore?