Although the recent book shortage at the University Bookstore has prevented some students from acquiring their needed texts, students have several other options for obtaining them.
At the beginning of the semester, the University Bookstore was out of several books for different classes. The store orders books according to department enrollment. Over ordering is not done because it becomes expensive to return books not purchased.
“We never want to be out of books,” Angelle Caillout, University Bookstore manager, said. “We are a book store. We want to sell books.”
According to Caillout, fall is the worst time to be out of books because there are more students enrolled in the fall semester. But when they realize that books are out, they try their best to order more as soon as possible.
Major book companies have a reorder period during the first two weeks of school. Books are shipped at regular UPS rates and take about seven days.
“I usually buy my books at the campus bookstore, and I think that book prices are entirely too expensive for college students to afford,” said Hayley Johnson, English senior for Bourg, said.
What if buying new books is not for you, or what if there are no used books left and you are not ready to pay for a new book? Well, some students have taken advantage of other purchasing options offered.
One option is driving down Goode Street in Thibodaux and buying books at Textbook Rentals Inc. The price to rent a book there is half the price of buying one in the University Bookstore.
Though the price sounds great, students should be aware of some important rules when renting a book.
All books are rented for one semester and are due back the last day of finals, December 9. There is a penalty charge of $5 per book per day for all books not returned by this date. Customers are allowed to use only cash or checks. If a book is lost ore stolen, the student must pay a replacement fee. Students will be refunded for a book only if the class is dropped. The student must provide proof that he/she dropped the class along with a receipt.
“We do the best of our ability and guarantee the correct book,” said Melissa Trahan, manager.
Textbooks Rentals Inc. does offer a deferred payment plan in which students can write a check and the store will hold it for 30 days. This is done so the student can get their financial aid in order.
Another option for college students is to buy books online. There are several websites including Amazon.com, StudentMarket.com and Campusbooks.com that sell books and other supplies.
If you have never shopped online, you might become skeptical about safety and hidden costs. On Amazon.com, the registration and purchasing process is so simple, your book buying is just a click away.
First, you have to register your name, e-mail address, birthday and a password. You also have the option of personalizing your interests. Before you buy anything, you can edit your shopping cart and enter your password again. After you type in your name, address, phone number and payment method, you can review your final order before you click the buy button.
If you have books that you wish to sell, Amazon.com can take care of those needs as well. You can post new and used books for sale. There are no listing fees to pay until the item is sold. The website gives a recommended price that you cannot exceed. You can also take the opportunity to make comments for potential buyers to read on the item being sold.
Whether you choose to buy your books at the University Bookstore, Textbook Rentals Inc. or online, buying books is just another fact of life for college students.