Textbook Guide

Before Buying Used

• Ensure the book you are buying is the correct edition - if you are unsure, double check your syllabus or check with your professor for clarification.
• Check to see if you need the access code for online content - if you do, you will probably need to buy the book new - because if the code is expired or used then you will have to purchase a new code, which often costs more than buying a new textbook. 

If you decide to buy a used textbook. 

Make sure to keep the following in mind:

• Search by ISBN whenever possible.  The ISBN is a number unique to a certain edition of the book.  Searching by ISBN will make it more likely to get the right edition of the book. 
• Be careful of editions published for use in other countries.  While they may be cheaper, the content (particularly assignments and quizzes) can be different. 
• Read up on the used copy's condition.   Some books are like new, but other may include highlighting and notes in the margins. 
• Check where the book(s) ships from.  The further away, the slower standard shipping may be.  If the book(s) ships from overseas, it may not arrive in time. 
• Factor in shipping costs when deciding if the price is good.
• Look at multiple used copy listings before picking one to buy.

Where to Buy Used Textbooks

The following sites are some of the options available for purchasing used Textbooks.  This is not a comprehensive list, so there may be other options that are not listed below.  Please note: The Masland Library does not promote any specific site.  The sites listed below are for information purposes only.

Finding the Best Deal

The sites listed below are some of the options for searching and comparing prices from multiple book sellers at once.  Please Note: The Masland Library does not promote any specific site.  The sites listed below are for information purposes only.