The Catch - Part 2 (not much changed in 2 years). Review on Librarywala

Catch 2(21st May 2011)

After 2 yrs, someone wrote a praising comment on my first review. I thot that things must have become better and went to look at all the reviews. I saw a spate of very bad reviews and then a spate of very good reviews. Interesting that almost all these folks joined and immediately wrote a review . It is possible that its a tug of war between librarywala and their competitors. So, I couldnt believe either of them. I went back and looked at their numbers again. It was disappointing

In 2 years, their management section has increased by just 120 books, their fiction books have increased by just 700 books, their history section has increased by 50 books and the religion section has increased by just 27 odd books. thats a really static library, I should say. On top of it, their utilization has only slightly reduced from their earlier abnormal highs.

It just doesnt add up to me that a library can exist for so long without constantly increasing their collection. Hopefully, what is happening is that they have bought more books but from their hypothetic "In circulation" rather than really buying new ones. Whatever it is, it's not good. signing off

Catch I(Jun 08, 2009)

First of all, I have not yet become the member of librarywala. But, I was very interested in the reviews here especially about the desired books being in "In Circulation" issue. Kushal also said in his "Cheat Code" review that after he spoke to the customer service, he got a new copy. Got me thinking and I went to their website. Some interesting statistics from the Bangalore website.

In the management book section, of the 1110(111 pages* 10 per page) management books, 893 books are in circulation. An amazing 80% utilization.

In the not-so-popular history section, of the 421 books, 294 is in circulation. An out of the world 70% utilization

In the most popular fiction section, of the 4310 books, 1999 is in circulaion. an impressive 46% utilization.

In the rarely read religion section, of the 184 books, 142 are in circulation. 77% utilization.Wow!

If these numbers are true, librarywala has nailed the coffin.They have solved the problem that the libraries across the world are facing with majority of their books lying around with cobwebs. Librarywala must know what their customers want exactly and must have a high valuation due to so many members.

But, to me, the fact seems like majority of the books in circulation are not even stocked by them. They wait for a good number of people to queue them up and then buy and send it. Or, for customers like Kushal who call them up, they will buy it up to score customer service points. This belief is also strengthened by the fact that I see a lot of really bad books in their circulation while some good and new books are available.

If what I am saying is true, I do think it's a good business model to buy and deliver based on demand. But, by saying that they own the books and is "in Circulation" is not ethical and should be blasted off.

I am open to anyone who can prove me wrong here because I truly believe librarywala is a unique concept and should be encouraged. But, I will be hesitant and will encourage to cancel the membership if their core business model is based on a lie