Bookstore offers textbook alternatives

The cost of higher education is rising all over the country and the prices of textbooks are sending many students on a journey to save their money. Fortunately, there are many available options for the bargain hunting college student.

New to the bookstore this semester are eTextbooks. This option offers a cheaper price than used books. For example, the Smith and Roberson's Business Law text are $105.45 for the eTextbook opposed to a $236 new one.

Roosevelt University Bookstore manager, Eric Medalis confirms that the eTextbook titles are selling this semester.

"The eTextbooks offer substantial savings," Medalis Said. "Even people that I would not expect to be so comfortable with the digital format have purchased them."

If digital books are not your fancy there are other options. The earlier you purchase your books, the better chance you have at buying a used text. Purchasing from the bookstore also gives you the chance to sell back your texts and receive instant cash up to 50 percent of what you originally paid.

While there are risks involved when buying online, most books are fully refundable. Also, through Amazon Student, students with a valid .edu email address are eligible to receive free two-day shipping for one year.

A recent survey from the National Association of College Stores found that students spent an average of $667 per year on required course materials including textbooks. Other studies according to the Associated Press have placed the figure at about $900. College textbook prices have increased 14 percent from the 2006-2007 academic year.

Brittany Henderson a Communications major, spent $41 on an English book at the Roosevelt Bookstore. She will return at another time for her $100 plus Biology book. "It definitely adds to the stress of tuition and unpaid balances," said Henderson.

For the most accurate comparisons in textbook frugality, searching sites such as bigwords.com, book.ly, campusbooks.com and cheap-textbooks.com make finding the best used book at the lowest price much easier.

Another popular option for students is to rent rather than purchase. Chegg.com has been coined the "Netflix of book rental companies," offering books for semester-long rentals at an affordable price. Return shipping is free and Chegg plants a tree every time you complete a textbook rental transaction.

Textbook rentals are a growing trend and while the Roosevelt Bookstore doesn't offer rentals, the National Association of College Stores says about 300 college bookstores offered rentals last year and this fall it's nearly 1,500.

Lastly, when purchasing online it's easier to find the correct book if you know the International Standard Book Number. Ask professors if all books are required, including CD-ROMs and workbooks. And don't forget to check your local library for titles you may need this semester.