Paperback books wear out more quickly than hardcover books do, but paperback books cost much less. Ttherefore, users of public libraries would be better served if public libraries bought only paperback books, since by so doing these libraries could increase the number of new book titles added to their collections without increasing their budgets.
The statement 'People are more likely to buy for themselves a copy of a book they had previously borrowed from the public library if that book is available in paperback' most seriously weakens the argument.