Bookstore 101: How to shop for textbooks

The first day of classes is rapidly approaching, and that can mean only one thing: textbook purchases. Students will head to Titles, the McMaster University Bookstore, to purchase everything from art supplies and calculators, to textbooks and novels.

A knowledgeable buyer is a savvy buyer, and the adage holds true for textbook buying.

First, you need to know which books to purchase, and if the books are required or merely recommended (read: optional). Check the online booklist for information on book availability and price. Be sure to have your schedule handy because some courses have more than one section and professor, meaning different books. If you forget to check the online booklist, don't worry. The bookstore has hard copies.

Next, make sure you head to the right location to purchase your textbooks. Year one humanities and social sciences students can use the temporary bookstore located in T-29. Science and engineering first years will find their textbooks at the main store in Gilmour Hall, B-101. All year two, three, four and grad students should head for the Tank in Togo Salmon Hall, B-203. To help find your way, just follow the fish painted on the walls of the building's underground hallways. For further details on textbook locations, click here.

Barry Petrie, acting director, says the Tank has been reconfigured to allow more room in the main bookstore for the newly expanded Microcomputer Centre. Level four and grad student textbooks are now located in the Tank. Extra bookshelves have been added and the cash desk has been moved.

“By making the Tank more space efficient, we were able to expand the Microcomputer Centre to house a large range of new and exciting products,” explains Petrie. “A lot of changes have been made with the students in mind.”

Michelle Primrose, advertising and promotions intern at the bookstore, will be entering her second year at McMaster. From personal experience, she praises the reconfiguration of the Tank and the main bookstore: “The updates will make the book buying experience less painful, especially for first-year students.”

Pam Overy, customer service representative at Titles, says the customer rush starts immediately after the first Thursday of the new school term, and lasts the entire month.

“I am excited every fall for the group of students, both the new and the returning. It gets pretty crazy in the fall, but I am happy to see them all the same, and sad when they leave in the spring,” says Overy.

As of Aug. 23, 75 per cent of all course materials were in stock. It pays to shop early because you will find the best selection of used books, avoid the crowds and receive better customer service. To avoid long line-ups, shop early in the morning or late in the day, or on a Saturday–make note of extended September hours.

Upon entering the bookstore you will see stacks and stacks of books. Do not become intimidated: Books are grouped by department, so if you are looking for English 1A03 textbooks, look under the English and Cultural Studies section. Don't forget to grab a basket on your way into the store; you are going to need it as you get to the bottom of your list!

If you become confused, don't hesitate to ask bookstore staff for help.

“We take care of the students here at the customer service desk, we have a good time with the customers by joking with each other and more time than not we get a line of customers laughing with us,” says Overy. “We make connections with the students here at the bookstore because we really care about them. We are good natured, helpful and have great time.”

When purchasing textbooks, you may be able to purchase a used copy. Look carefully, because the used books get sometimes mixed in with the new copies. Used books have a sticker on their spine or a stamp for identification, they cost 25 per cent less than new books and are tax exempt. When you return a used book at buyback, you will get the same amount of cash back as you would if you returned a new book.

Rick Beith, a textbook buyer for the McMaster University Bookstore, suggests that you wait before purchasing recommended course material, but go ahead and buy the required books. “You will need the required textbooks to be successful in the class, but wait for your professor to explain the purpose for the recommended book to see if it suits your needs.” Plus, the earlier you shop, the better the selection of used books.

Now that you are ready to purchase your books, payments can be made in cash or by cheque, debit, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. You can also use your McMaster Student Identification Card (student card) to charge up to $1,500 worth of merchandise. Purchases may be charged with any valid ID card after the Credit Application and Agreement has been signed. Interest accumulates each month by 1.2 per cent. The form can be filled out when you pay for your textbooks.

When it comes to shelling out the money, don't be shocked by the hefty price. The average textbook investment per semester can be between $400 and $800, depending on your discipline.

Are you stuck with your textbooks if you drop a course? No, you can return a book by keeping the receipt, but do not take off the plastic wrapping or break the spine. Do not write in, mark or read your course book until you are sure you are keeping it. The last day for refunds is September 23; there will be no refunds after this date. Remember–all custom courseware is non-refundable.