First, to use Paperback Swap you'll need to create an account. Signing up is quick, easy and free. Then, list the books that you have that you're willing to send to other members (this is pretty fast because you only have to type in the ISBN numbers). Once you've posted your first ten books, you'll get two free credits!

These credits can be used to request any book in the system from anyone else. It will be mailed to you at no cost to you. You simply let the system know when you've received it.

When people request a book from your account, you have a few days to let the system know if you can promptly send the book. Once you accept the request, you can print out a book mailing wrapper from the website. You can add postage through Paperback Swap, by adding stamps if the book is less than 13 ounces, or in person at the post office. Postage is usually less than $3.00, as the books can go media mail.

For each book that you send to another member, you receive a credit that can be used to request any book in the system.

One of the best features of Paperback Swap is the Wish List feature. Any book in the system, as well as books that are not currently posted, can be added to your wish list. This is a handy place to have all the books that you would like to swap for in one location. Additionally, you can choose if you would like books on your wish list to be automatically requested if someone adds them to the system, so you're sure to get first chance to claim them! From your wish list, you can also see how many people are "in line" ahead of you and behind you for a particular book.

Paperback Swap has a great new system called "FABIL", or Find a Book I'll Like, to help you find new books you might enjoy reading. The system attempts to filter out books you've already read and bases recommendations off a star rating system (similar to the rating system used by Netflix). If a recommended book looks interesting to you, you can either order it if the book is available or add it to your wish list. Books that don't appeal to you can be removed from the list by clicking the "NI"/"Not interested" button.

Happy reading!

Even textbooks can be swapped on Paperback Swap. Although "regular" books can't be swapped if they have writing or underlining, textbooks with writing and underlining are O.K. as long as the person you're sending the book to agrees to the condition of the book before you send it (you can describe the condition and get their approval through the website's private message system). Although the postage costs of shipping textbooks are often a bit higher than regular books because of the weight, it feels terrific to help another student out. And, its a great way to clear your shelves of books that you couldn't sell back to the book store and that you won't need again. After moving way too many textbooks between various apartments, I especially love swapping textbooks on PBS.

Even cookbooks can be swapped on PaperbackSwap.Com. Although books normally must be free from any stains, cookbooks can be swapped despite having minor splatters or stains from food. Like textbooks, the condition must be agreed to by the party requesting the book before the book is sent.

Unfortunately, magazines and comic books are not allowed to be traded on Paperback Swap.Com. Because they often have advertising, these can not be sent media mail.