Buying books can be tricky business

1. T.I.S.: Although not owned by the University, T.I.S. offers nearly all IUB textbooks. If you’re determined to buy your books in Bloomington, check all textbook retailers in town before committing to one store. And remember, do this early. Used copies go fast. www.tisbookiu.com. 

2. The Library: For students who are really strapped for cash, the option of not buying some books does exist. The IU libraries have millions of titles, and many books used for classes can be found sleeping in the stacks. If a certain book will only be used for a few assignments, the option to rent it is always there. Before giving up, make sure you check the Monroe County Public Library, located at 303 E. Kirkwood Ave., just blocks from campus. Chances are, you’ll be instructed to go here for an assignment at one point for a class, so applying for a library card and familiarizing yourself to the building would be a great idea. www.libraries.iub.edu or www.monroe.lib.in.us.

3. The IU Bookstore: Students are able to pre-order their books online but should do so early, before all the used copies are gone. If there aren’t used copies available, check another store before purchasing the new copy. The difference in cost can be huge. www.iubookstore.com.
 
4. Online used book dealers: For the best deals on textbooks, check popular Web sites like Amazon.com or Half.com where people sell their old books for a fraction of their cost as new items in a bookstore. Warning: Be careful when buying. Make sure to check that the book you’re ordering is the correct edition or volume. (It does make a difference!) Also, when buying from an independent seller, there is always a risk that the book will never appear. There are ways to file a complaint for the return of your money, but they take time. To avoid this, check out the approval ratings listed for each seller. Choose those with a near perfect rating and a large number of sales. Again, make sure you order early, at least two weeks before the start of the semester.

TIP: A few weeks before the semester starts, students will be able to access a syllabus for each class online, through Oncourse. First thing’s first, find the required reading. Books are a huge expense for students each year, and knowing where to find the best deal could save hundreds of dollars.