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I rarely, if ever, use them. I love the challenge of playing through myself, and I can usually get past rough spots after a break or some time to think.
Also, I don't care for getting every single thing. To me, that seems like more work than fun, and games should be for fun.
Strategy Books: Final Fantasy VIII, Xenosaga: Episode II, Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy X-2, Final Fantasy XII
1) if i don't have to go online for it, then it should be found nearby in my room. however, i am independant from what the book has to offer me on boss fights.
2) lets take armor/weapon customization from Final Fantasy X as an example. if i want to add an ability to an armor/weapon, and i need to know what fiend to get it from, or how much Gil i should bribe it for the item (if needed), then i consult the book.
3) lastly, i also had the Final Fantasy VIII guide book long in use. once again, independant in my own paths, but i would have the book handy for magic/item refinery.
I generally don't use strategy guides. I play on my own until I get stuck and then look it up at gamefaqs.
When I do have the strategy guides, though (I have one for Castlevania:SOTN, Kingdom Hearts I+II and FFXII) I keep it handy and look something up if I need help (or I use it to get info on side quests and to make sure I get a good item like the Zombiesbane in Wraithwall's tomb).
I use them because I'm lazy, but usually not for the first playthrough (unless I get stuck without knowing where to go for longer than thirty seconds). I also need them for reference (writing), but besides that, they are pretty and full of shiny colors.
I have a very serious patience and attention span problem.