| URL | http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ |
|---|---|
| Commercial? | Yes |
| Type of site | B Corporation Social business |
| Available language(s) | Multilingual |
Better World Books is a U.S.-based online bookseller. Described as a for-profit social enterprise or social business venture, Better World Books claim they measure success through a triple bottom line, considering economic, environmental and social factors. They are a founding B corporation,[1] aiming to "create benefit all stakeholders, not just shareholders."[2] The Better World Books mission statement is “to capitalize on the value of the book to fund and support literacy initiatives locally, nationally, and around the world.”[3] They raise funding for over 80 non-profit literacy programs.[4]
They have re-used or recycled over 65 million books and raised over US$10 million for literacy (over US$5 million for non-profit literacy programs and over US$3.6 million for libraries) and over US$1.8 million for student groups. Better World Books partners with over 1,800 college campuses and with over 3,400 library systems in the U.S., Canada, UK, and Ireland.[4]
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In May 2002, three University of Notre Dame graduates led a book drive to help the Robinson Community Learning Center in South Bend, Indiana, USA. The founders won the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business top prize for social entrepreneurship - the McCloskey Social Venture Business Plan competition. They used the momentum to expand book drives beyond the Midwest. As of January 2001, the Campus Division of Better World Books works with students and bookstore managers to lead book drives at over 1800 college and university campuses across North America; the Library Division works with over 2000 libraries, collecting discards and unwanted donations.[4]
Better World Books raises money for non-profit organizations.[5] The corporation is structured to protect the interests of its non-profit partners should it be acquired.[6] The main charities Better World Books donates to are:
Better World Books is now also a Book for Book™ company. Each book purchase on *Better World Books and www.betterworldbooks.co.uk powers a donation from the company to someone in need via either Feed The Children or Books for Africa.
Better World Books sells collected books through 23 online marketplaces, including Amazon.com,[7] Ebay,[8] and their own online e-commerce site, betterworldbooks.com.