Textbooks: How to Get Them

The bookstore has provided answers to many of your frequently asked questions:

 

Is shopping at the campus store really my best bet?

Yes! Your campus store works every angle to provide students with the best prices—from partnering with faculty to choose the most cost-efficient items—to offering used or rental books. Need to return or exchange a book? We make that easy for you.

How do I shop at the campus store for materials?

In-store systems help you quickly find what you need with course materials arranged either by course, or alphabetically by author.

You can also shop online. The website has menus to select courses and display materials.

What’s the difference between "Textbooks" vs. "Course Materials”?

Course materials is a broader category that includes digital materials, and supplies like lab goggles. It's everything you need for a class.

What's the difference between “Required," “Recommended," and "Suggested" textbooks?

• Required: it’s necessary for the course.
• Recommended: the instructor has suggested an item that may be helpful.
• Suggested: these items are often purchased with the required book, or other students have found the item useful.

What does “Choice” or "Pick One" mean?

Sometimes instructors provide a list of items that students can choose from to customize their experience. It’s your choice which one to pick.

What does “Book Edition” mean?

Your instructor will specify which edition they teach from. Using an older edition can put you at a disadvantage when assignments are made using page numbers or the material has been updated.

What is an "ISBN"?

ISBN stands for "International Standard Book Number." This unique identifier of each book edition is printed on the copyright page as well as back cover near the bar code. Checking the ISBN guarantees you’ve got the right book.

What is the difference between “New” and “Used” copies of a textbook?

Used copies are the same edition as the new, but previously purchased by another student and may have some notes or highlighting.

What are “Access Codes/Digital Supplements”?

Some physical books include a one-time-use code to access digital materials, and sometimes codes are available for purchase without the physical book. It all depends on how the publisher decided to offer the materials. Whatever the case, the campus store will present all of the options so that you can figure out which one is best for you.

What are the different types of Digital Books?

There are several varieties of digital books, but usually just one type per title/ISBN.

• The most basic digital book is just a non-interactive PDF of the physical printed book.
• A more advanced digital book will have some interactive sections.
• Finally, a purely digital book is more like a website, where a user chooses different paths through the material. This type of book does not usually have a physical version.

Your school may offer digital books in their student LMS (Learning Management System), if this is the case then specific instructions will be available. For more information on digital books, go to the Digital Course Materials page on your school’s store website.

Do I need a Digital or Physical book?

If both versions are available, it’s up to you which one to use.

Textbook Low Price Guarantee

We price match textbooks against Amazon and most competitors. Find a cheaper advertised price within seven days of purchase, and we'll give you the difference. Find further details here.

Print Textbook Condition Substitution Policy

If your order includes a print textbook, there is a possibility the condition you selected (e.g. Used or New condition) is unavailable at the time we process your order. In order to serve you sooner, we will replace your textbook with the available condition, and your final order total will be higher or lower than your original estimated order total. If you are unhappy with this replacement, please contact us and we would be happy to assist you with a refund.

When is the best time to shop for my books?

Head to the campus store website as soon as you know your courses and section numbers to view the materials. This way you’ll be most likely to snag a used copy, and you can sign up for an email alert for anything not yet available.

You can choose to ship the materials to any address or have them reserved and waiting for you to pick up in the store for free. Stores have extended, convenient hours during term starts to pick up your items.

It’s a good idea to check for your books on the campus store's website because even if your local store does not have an in-stock copy, there may be one in another location that we can ship to your store for free pickup.

How do I get Course Material Email Notifications?

Sign up online to be notified as soon as we get the list of materials from your instructor and at least one format is available—then you can choose to have it delivered or pick-up in-store. You can get notifications for as many books or courses as you need. Here are two ways how:

• Within the main navigation, go to Books > Textbooks & Course Materials. Select your class. If your class materials are not confirmed, you'll see an option for "Email me when available online."
• If you know the book you need, you can enter in the ISBN in the search field. If it’s not available, you’ll see the option to receive a notification when your book is in-stock.

Can I just go to the bookstore once I get a Course Material Notification?

Sorry, we can’t promise your book will be on the shelf. However, if you buy it online and choose the pick-up in-store option, we’ll have it waiting for you.

Shouldn’t I attend class first before buying the book to make sure I really need it?

Not having the book on the first day can make it hard to catch up since college classes move fast. The smart move is to have the book and return it if necessary. Also, used and rental copies sell out first, so if you wait to get your books, you may have to pay more for new books.

What if I change or drop a class after I have the book?

In most cases, unused books are easily returnable to the campus store up to your school's class add/drop date. Check your campus store for exact refund date and return policies.

Adapted from the Bookstore Textbook FAQ