You can buy your books at the UNCG bookstore—in person or online—and at sites, such as www.Amazon.com. One big advantage of buying books at the UNCG bookstore is that they already know what books you will need for each course. Books, such as novels, paperbacks, and biographies, may be as easily available through other online sites.

UNCG Bookstore

(www.bkstore.com)

• It is important to get your order in early.
• Knows what books will be used for each course.
• Accepts orders online for textbooks.
• Offer some discounts, and more possibilities for buybacks.
• Ships books to your doorstep.
• At times of high demand, you may have to wait until the next shipment comes in.
• Online vendors may be faster and know if books are in stock.

Online Booksellers

• Can search through stock online.
• Usually offer used books.
• Some online textbook vendors require you to establish an account before you can search for a book.

Search the following sites to find the books you need for your class.

• www.bn.com
• www.amazon.com
• http://half.ebay.com/index.jsp
• www.ecampus.com

Other websites may be listed for specific books. Consult the course booklist.

Tips for Buying Books Online

• Required book information. Information on the required texts will be available on the course syllabus or your registration confirmation from Continual Learning (usually 1-2 weeks prior to the class). The instructor will let you know if any of the books or readings must be obtained through specialized sources, such as a professional association or particular website. Contact your instructor or the UNCG bookstore if you do not know which books you need.
  
• ISBNs. When you order books, be sure to have the book's ISBN number (the unique 10-digit International Standard Book Number). Profs usually list this with the required books. ISBNs always refer to a specific edition and will ensure you order the right book-for some textbooks, this is critical. Knowing the author, title, publisher, year of publication, and which edition you need will also be helpful.
  
• Purchase early. Have your course books on your desk before the course starts. Purchasing your books early also allows you to find used books at lower prices and to familiarize yourself with the books' content.
  
• Audio format. Some books may be available in audio format, which helps students with disabilities, and may be "read" during commutes. Find out about this option at http://www.audible.com .
  
• Netlibrary and public domain. Contact Jackson Library http://library.uncg.edu to find out if the title may be located in the Netlibrary and what the check-out policy is for electronic books. Some books, especially literature, may be found in the public domain, and may be printed offline as a hard copy. Use Google to search for the title.
  
• Discounts and buybacks. The course syllabus should let you know if your instructor plans to help obtain textbook(s) for the students at a discount and a buy back guarantee. You will need to check with the UNCG bookstore to see if books purchased there may be sold back (this varies with semester and course demand).
  
• Electronic downloads. Some textbooks may be purchasable as an electronic download to your home computer. Ask your professors if they know about the option, or find out about the availability at http://www.ebooks.com.
  
• Local and college libraries. Some required books may be in your local public library or at another educational institution near you. Many local colleges have reciprocal lending arrangements with UNCG Jackson Library, which may include resources needed for term papers. Do not hesitate to ask any institution near to you.
  
• Book-accompanying materials. If a textbook comes with an accompanying CD and workbook, be sure all components are needed before purchasing the pack. The bookstore/seller will not accept returns for items once the wrap is opened.
  
• Discounts. If you order from specific vendors frequently, they may give you special discounts as a preferred customer.
  
• Shipping and handling costs. When trying to decide whether to purchase books online, add shipping and handling charges to get the book's true cost. Some sites offer free shipping with minimum orders.
  
• Records. Keep your receipts and make a note of refund deadlines.

• Checklist
• Buying Books
• Learning Styles
• Adult Students
• Disability Services
• ESL Students