Though we cannot always escape the fate of buying expensive textbooks, there are always ways you can save some money! With tuition prices rising every year, why should we spend so much money on textbooks? Especially if you might not even use it for the whole semester. Here are three articles that might just help you reduce the prices you pay for those “required”, expensive textbooks.
Are Textbooks Worth the Pricey Cost?
By: Rick Jackson
Summary: At Wesley College, there was an interview with the Wesley Bookstore about the prices of textbooks. Bookstore manager, Kris McGlothlin, acknowledge how it’s not the bookstore’s fault for the high prices, but rather it’s the publishers because they are the ones trying to make a profit. Though, you can buy textbooks at a cheaper price by either buying an eBook or another site, it won’t always mean you’ll end up using it. A legal studies major, Sherleen Sabin, stated how she took a psychology course and only used it a couple of times.
Why this source is important: This article acknowledges that textbooks are pricey and, sometimes, even useless. And it’s also the fact that it was an article at a college with interviews from a student and a bookstore manager that realized that textbooks aren’t always priced fairly.
What to do with the source: So, why spend even more money on textbooks that aren’t priced fairly? Why waste money on a book you will probably only open a few times during the semester? If you really want/need a textbook, check out Chegg, otherwise, we should think before we buy.
Read the full article here.
Does Renting Textbooks Make Sense?
By: Book.ly
Summary: Have you ever wonder if renting textbooks are better than buying them? Well, an article done by Book.ly explains both the pros and cons of renting a textbook. Here are their reasons:
Furthermore, financially, the best way to acquire textbooks is through buying used and reselling it back because it would save approximately $54.15; however, you are also taking a chance that no one would want to buy your used textbook since newer editions come out.
Why this source is important: This source helps you weigh the pros and cons of renting or buying textbooks. Not only does it show you the pros and cons, it also compares the prices if you were to buy it new, buy it used, buy it used then reselling it, and renting and returning.
What to do with the source: If you ever need some help with deciding whether to buy or rent, this is the one of the best advice for you! It’s like second hand help for you if you are on a tight budget!
Read the full article here.
If You’re Buying Textbooks This Week, Get Educated, Not Schooled
By: Eliza Brooke
Summary: While textbooks are expensive, there are tons of different ways to get them for cheaper. This article lists the ways you would be able to buy your textbook for a cheaper price. Here are the ways:
- Boundless: “a free service that aligns its e-textbooks with other popular texts by chapter across 20 subjects.”
- Chegg: Where you can buy new/used, rent a hard copy or rent an e-text for up to 60 days.
- Google Play Store: e-text rentals.
- Borrowing from an old classmate or friend.
- Borrowing from the library.
Why this source is important: This article provides useful information about different ways to buy textbooks, yet still saving money. It gives you reasons why you should use a certain site and it has different sites for different needs and cost; from being free to paying for a textbook, this article has everything you need!
What to do with the source: When you are in doubt and overwhelm with the beginning of the semester, come here to find the best places and ways to buy your textbooks. You might even not have to pay anything for them! Which would end up saving you lots of money on top of that student loan debt you might have!
Read the full article here.
Overall: The articles provided useful sources containing different methods of buying textbooks for a cheaper price. With prices escalating and a new edition coming out every year, these three articles give you exactly what you need to know if you are tight on cash or just don’t want to spend too much money on textbooks. I hope you all have fun finding the best bargain!
Textbooks, You're Busted! 