Students will soon be able to participate in new cost saving programs that will be implemented this summer to decrease textbook expenses.

A Chancellor’s Liaison Meeting, held Feb. 29, focused on innovative ways to help students save money on course materials, like the introduction of a mobile textbook buyback app for Android and iOS users. 

Although students have access to some textbook cost-reduction programs, the new programs are projected to increase those savings. Currently, Bookstore programs like Sales Tax Holiday, eBooks, and Guaranteed Textbook Buyback help students cut expenses.

During the sales tax holiday, students have a weekend to purchase their fall textbooks tax free. In-store shoppers and online shoppers both benefit from this event, which averages sales tax savings of $150,000 each year.

“It depends on the class on how I feel about the textbook cost. But I usually try to purchase used books because they’re much cheaper. I wish there were more options when purchasing WebAssign for class, like being able to purchase it without having to buy the book too,” Katherine Selman , junior in zoology, said.

EBooks have been available through NCSU  Bookstores since 2008. The ebooks are made possible through partnerships with three providers of digital textbooks. CourseSmart is one of the current providers, offering savings up to 50 percent off new textbook prices.

The Library Reserve Program gives students the opportunity to access textbooks using their student identification cards for a short period while in the library. Library staff reports students have heavily patronized the program.

“The reserves at the library are very helpful. Sometimes I don’t even purchase my textbook because it’s cheaper to use it through the reserves,” Brian Andrews, freshman in First Year College, said.

According to Andrews there are still some drawbacks to the program.

“The reserves has its cons and pros, especially with there only being one book available to check out for that one class. So, at times you have to wait for other students to return the textbook,” Andrews said.

New cost-reduction programs will include Shared Buyback, timely faculty adoptions, renting services, and Print on Demand. The addition of the new cost-reduction programs will hopefully increase those savings.

The Shared Buyback program is a partnership between NCSU  Bookstores and other campus bookstores. NCSU  Bookstores purchase textbooks that are used on other campuses. The Shared Buyback program increases used book availability on NCSU’s campus by purchasing books from other schools, creating more cost efficient options for students.

Timely faculty adoption requests are a cost saving strategy for faculty members. This strategy encourages faculty members to request textbooks by designated deadlines, allowing the bookstores to pay back more to students who purchased new textbooks during the buyback period.

The timely faculty adoption requests also give bookstores more time to secure used books with wholesalers. Faculty textbook requests are considered on time if the requests are received before the start of final exams.

NCSU  Bookstores also encourage faculty members to require textbooks only if they will be used substantially. Other strategies include working with textbook publishers to develop other economical options to traditional textbooks that are low-cost, including online resources.

Due to high demand, NCSU B ookstores will begin renting books in-store and online this summer. Many of the textbooks on NCSU’s title list will be available to rent. This new option for students will help save an average of 54 percent off new textbooks.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the cost saving programs available through the campus bookstores and website.

“I don’t really like how expensive they are but there’s nothing I can do about it so there’s no use in complaining,” Sharese Roberts, sophomore in integrated physiology and neurobiology, said.

As a way to compare prices from competitors, NCSU Bookstores have created a pricing comparison tool on the bookstore’s website. Students will be able to compare prices as they shop for course materials directly on the website.

While comparing prices, students will also have the option to purchase online versions of textbooks from different vendors such as CourseSmart, CengageBrain  and Inkling. Students will be able to create separate shopping carts if they want to purchase from other resources as well.

This feature will be available starting the first summer session.