Do you protect your book jackets or do you feel like the jacket is just there to protect the book?

I strongly prefer paperbacks, and buy mostly used books so I have a lot of hardcovers without their jackets. Right now I’m reading a complete hardcover and it occurred to me I’m kind of stumped about the purpose of the jacket.

To you, is it more important that the book itself stays in good condition, and the jacket can take a beating? Or would you rather have a beaten up/well-loved book with a clean jacket to make it look nice on the shelf?

I tend to find the jacket annoying while reading so I take it off, but I have hyperhidrosis (basically really sweaty hands) so my books definitely take a little damage. Is there an official correct answer?

by olivejew0322