Books, books, books

Books, they STILL use them!

A lot has changed since I was a student in college, but the one thing that has not is that textbooks are expensive. Sure the format is different, but the cost for books and supplies is soaring. From January 2006 to July 2016, the Consumer Price Index for college textbooks increased by 88 percent.  But students today have many different options than we did 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. And, believe it or not, for some classes, my daughters were able to either not purchase the book at all or just purchase the online version. (Some classes require a unique online code to be able to access the material).

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 often asked her sorority sisters. 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 (fancy calculator, i-clicker, etc.) for them can guarantee a used book when they need it later. Students can also buy or sell their textbooks through the UM Book market exchange or join the Facebook group called the University of Miami Textbook Exchange.

The most obvious place to buy or rent books is the campus bookstore. UM’s bookstore will actually price match any textbooks found for a better price on bn.com, Amazon or from local competitors. Find out complete details on price matching. There are exclusions so make sure your student is familiar with the restrictions. 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 a bookstore right across from campus on US1 (South Dixie Highway), called Book Horizons. The original family, in business since 1953, still maintains daily operations, and provides used & new books with fast, personalized service in a friendly, family-owned atmosphere. Contact to see if they have your book in stock.

More Options

Another option for buying, selling, or renting books is BarnesandNoble.com, Chegg.com, or U-Loop. 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 purchaseThen there is Prime Student Amazon; of which I am a huge fan. Students can use their UM email to get six months of Amazon Prime 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. There have been a proliferation of other online and smartphone apps for buying and selling college textbook including Slugbooks, TextbookRush, Booksmart, Bookbyte, and Packback.

So while textbook prices are soaring, so too are the options for buying, renting, and selling. 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 they have 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.) And, remember, those textbooks and class supplies are covered under The American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit (read our blog on education tax credits).

Let the studying begin!

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