I work in a library and have found softcover books usually show more superficial wear and tear (frayed corners of the cover, yellowed pages) but ultimately last longer than hardcover books. Hardcovers have a habit of tearing at the spine and totally detaching or ripping.
This is in a public library where books are handled sometimes roughly by many people.
Hardcovers are great for the books that you want to look nice and can keep them safely on a shelf, rather than a high use item.
I work in a library and have found softcover books usually show more superficial wear and tear (frayed corners of the cover, yellowed pages) but ultimately last longer than hardcover books. Hardcovers have a habit of tearing at the spine and totally detaching or ripping. This is in a public library where books are handled sometimes roughly by many people.
Hardcovers are great for the books that you want to look nice and can keep them safely on a shelf, rather than a high use item.