Textbook Affordability Information

Your HCC Bookstore is one source for textbooks (we admit, it's our favorite!), but you can also buy textbooks from other students, online new and used book retailers, publishers and commercial retail bookstores. Here are some points to remember while shopping...

• Make sure to verify the ISBN in addition to title, author, edition and publication date. The ISBN is the key identifier of a title, and is the best information to use when searching the open marketplace for your textbooks. We list ISBNs on the HCC Bookstore Web site, or you can find the ISBN on the back cover of a textbook or inside along with the copyright information. We want you to get the right book, whether you buy it from us or not. If you have trouble finding the ISBN, ask our bookstore staff or your instructor.
• Buy used when possible. Used books typically save you at least 25%, sometimes more, off the cost of a new textbook.
• Check "Books for Sale" postings on campus bulletin boards maintained by the Student Life dept.
• Look through the various online used book classifieds sites. Remember that there are no refunds when making a peer-to-peer purchase so CHECK THE ISBN to be sure it's the text your class is using.
• If buying from an online bookseller, shop with a reputable source. You can definitely find bargains online, but be sure to consider shipping costs and shipping times. Find out what happens if you drop the course or decide you don't want or need the book - can you get your money back? Your HCC Bookstore has a very flexible return policy, allowing you to return your textbooks up to two weeks after the start of classes if you have your receipt and your texts are in original, as-purchased condition.
• Buy access to online versions of the text, also known as e-books. E-books are less expensive than hard copy, and many come with the ability to search content by keyword/phrase, add comments, create bookmarks, and in some cases even come with free access to additional online materials. There can be drawbacks - inconvenience due to online only access, some have restrictions on printing or contain an expiration date, and there is no resale value.
• Your HCC Bookstore has an ever-growing selection of e-books; just look for the tags when you come into your store. You can also search the Web with the term "e-books" for sources. Check out e-books to see if they are right for you.
• Bundles can be bargains BUT... You may find that your textbook is "bundled" in a shrink-wrapped package with other learning materials such as a study guide, software, or a pass code. If you have a choice between buying a textbook by itself, or in a package, make sure you will need all the materials in the package. While these extra learning materials can be of great value, they are non-returnable once opened. If you have questions about buying a bundle, get input from your instructor or your bookstore staff.

• If you have access to an older edition of the textbook, check with your instructor to see if you can use it instead of buying the most current version.
• Pool your resources with other students and try sharing a text. You may need to work out how to split the cost, how to share time and decide on the disposition of the text at the end of the term but this may be a good option. An added benefit? You could turn your sharing group into a study group.
• Check out the college library to see if there is a copy on reserve. 
• Free is good! Some titles, especially classics such as works by Shakespeare, may be available online for free. One source is Project Gutenberg; you can also try searching the Web with the term "free e-share textbooks."