Books, Books, Books

Reality Starts, Books, and More Books!

Now that our sons and daughters are settled at college the reality begins (not ours, which happened to me the second I got into the car and drove away). Their reality means being students again and the real reason they have been sent off to college surfaces. Therefore they will undoubtedly need books.

HaveUHeard that some students do not even purchase a required textbook due to the high cost? FSU recognizes the impact of the textbook affordability problem and has a few resources available including  FSU including Open Educational Resources  (OER) which gives students permission to access free learning materials. Students can find resources for saving money on textbooks using FSU’s physical and electronic course reserves and library resources.

Books today come in many different forms and likewise can be purchased in a variety of ways – including rentals. Deciding which is the most a) cost-efficient and b) the easiest way for your students to use it are important factors. Textbooks can cost as much as a few hundred dollars each. (Please note that some professors will insist on the newest edition of a textbook simply because it is how they make money; therefore last year’s edition may not be considered sufficient; regardless of the fact that the changes in its material may be minuscule and a used edition may be far cheaper.) Some students may appreciate being able to mark up and highlight a textbook, while others may be satisfied with an online edition. Some professors have packets that come in sealed plastic and can be rather costly as well. Sometimes new books are required, because of an online code that comes with the book.

Book Buying

When buying books your student must consider whether they want an actual textbook or a digital version (which is often available). If they prefer a book, then I suggest buying used or renting whenever possible. Hopefully, one that hasn’t been marked up too much will be available. My daughter and son often asked their sorority sisters/fraternity brothers first. As a matter of fact, my daughter’s sorority had a study room that had a bunch of old books that sisters would leave. (You most probably won’t find this – or a study room – in a frat house.) Students would much rather sell their books to a friend then back to the bookstore; they make more money back that way. You may want to mention to your students that as they meet people and look for the low-down on classes before registering for each semester; they should take note of who already took the class. Asking someone to save a book for them (fancy calculator, i-clicker, etc.) can guarantee a used book when they need it later. Students can also join the Facebook group called FSU Textbook Exchange. Basically, it eliminates the middleman (the bookstores) and helps students sell or buy books to or from other students.

The most obvious place to buy books is the campus bookstore. FSU’s bookstore (Barnes and Noble – which means that a Barnes and Noble gift card for your son/daughter is a great graduation gift, should anyone ask) will actually price match any textbooks found for a better price on bn.com, Amazon or from local competitors. The student still pays the retail price on the textbook and the price difference of the price match is given on a gift card for the bookstore. They will not do this for digital books; they will, however, price match on rentals if the terms are the same. Students can order books online and pick them upright at the bookstore on campus. They can also be returned there at the end of the semester. There is also Bill’s Bookstore right across from campus on Copeland, but surprise…it is an FSU bookstore as well, so the same deal applies.

More Options

Another option for buying, selling, or renting books is:

• Barnes & Noble
• Chegg is offering savings up to 90% on textbooks. Rent or buy and get 7-day instant access to the e-book or savings up to $500 on textbook rental or purchase.
• Bookbyte
• U-Loop
• Then there is Amazon; of which I am a huge fan. Students can use their FSU email to get six months of Amazon Prime Student for free (free shipping) and then for only $50 a year. And, yes, Amazon rents too.  It is, as I said above, a matter of weighing the options. I personally think renting is the least expensive way to go. Students can save as much as 80% by renting a textbook for the semester.

Now some of you may encourage your students to be proactive and order their textbooks early, but hang on. I have heard too many times that books arrive and then on the first day of class, the professor announces he/she has changed books, wants the newest edition, or that they really don’t need a book at all (the internet has enough information). Be sure they can return any books purchased ahead of time should this happen or wait to order it until they confirm what they need, (but don’t wait too long; when a book doesn’t arrive until halfway through the semester due to backorder; it can be a problem.)

Let the studying begin!

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