These points are of greater importance to the live librarian than is the percentage of discount. Say nothing about per cents; to do so is misleading and unsatisfactory always. No one understands you.
It is safe to estimate that your purchases of fiction [and juvenile literature will average inside of $1 per volume.]
A general list, including reference books, of say 4000v., would average about $1.25 per volume, or $5000.
Make your purchases with the needs of your community clearly in mind, securing such books as will be constantly in use, and thereby get returns for your expenditure. The expensive publications and books that are called for only at rare intervals should be left to libraries with very large incomes, and to those making special collections.
Where possible to do so avoid buying large bills of books at long intervals. It is better to spend an income of $600 per year in monthly installments of $50, than it is to buy twice a year $300 lots.
The frequent purchase will bring you the new and talked of books while they are fresh in the minds of people, and there is greater economy of time in cataloging and shelving them.
Second-hand books are rarely cheap at any price.
Have confidence in your agent, for your interests are always his.