Textbook Q & A

Can I charge textbooks to my student tuition account?

You can use your tuition account at the CSB/SJU Bookstores for a time period at the beginning of each semester.  This account is to assist in purchasing textbooks, academic materials and other student items necessary for your educational experience.

$3 minimum applies to both the tuition account and credit card transactions.

Can I purchase my books in the store?

We are stongly encouraging students to purchase all their textbooks through our website.  Need a book after you are on campus? Just place your order online, and we can have it ready for you to pick up at either Bookstore. Orders will be sent over to the CSB Bookstore daily the first couple weeks of class.

Why is my book only available in new condition at the Bookstore?

There are many reasons why a book is only available in new condition.  Before you order it someplace else or buy it from a friend, make sure you know what is required and what you are getting.  Does it have an access code?  Is it a workbook? Is it custom to CSB/SJU?  Are you ordering the current edition? Not knowing what you really need can end up costing you a lot more.  Read the full title and any notes with the course before assuming you need just the book. 

How do I decide which type of textbook to purchase?

There are several options, so know what you need!  Not all options are available for each title.

New Textbook—Some books are only available in new condition because they contain access codes, they are newly published, or lack of used book supply.

Used Textbook—Save on previously owned books. This option is not available for all titles.

Rental—Pay a fee to use a textbook for the semester and return it in good condition to the Bookstore by the due date. May rent new or used textbooks. Save up to 60% off the new book price. Please read our Rental Agreement.

E-Book—Textbooks available in digital format. If an e-book is available, you can choose the e-book or the print version. You don’t need both.

Direct Access—The Direct Access program is a textbook model in collaboration with publishers that converts books into digital content. You will be emailed information before class starts if you are in a class that is using Direct Access. 

What is an ACCESS CODE and how do I know if I need one?

An access code allows you to obtain online content and homework assignments. Codes can only be used once, so if a textbook has an accompanying code, the book will not be available in “used” condition in most cases. You will know your textbook has an access code with it, because it will say so right in the title of the book. Ex. LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT WITH CONNECT ACCESS CODE 

Should I RENT or BUY my book?

Not all titles are available for rent, but if they are, it can save you some money!

Wondering why you can’t rent your language textbooks? Often these books are used for two semesters in a row, and books can’t be rented for the entire year.

Rentals are always due the last day of the semester and need to be in good condition.  If not, your student account will be charged the replacement fee. We cannot accept books with any water damage (coffee, snow, etc.). You will recieve several emails at the end of the semester reminding you of outstanding rentals.    

What is the Bookstores’ RETURN POLICY for course materials?

1) Returns are accepted the first week of class.  August 29 - September 2, 2022. and January 16-20, 2023.

2) YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR RECEIPT!

3) DO NOT WRITE OR MARK YOUR BOOKS until you are certain you will keep them

5) NEW BOOKS must be in new condition, unmarked with no sign of use

6) Only complete art kits are returnable

7) ACCESS CODES- the code cannot be open or revealed

All other refund and exchanges will be decided on a case by case scenario, and we will work with you to the best of our ability. Returns can be processed at either Bookstore. Please see a sales associate to talk about your needs.

Rental Books must be returned to the Bookstore by December 18, 2021 fpr Fall and May 8, 2022 for Spring.  

EBOOK return policy is as follows: eBooks are refundable for 1 week after the class is dropped.  Publisher access code cards cannot be opened and revealed.

Additionally, we cannot fulfill refund requests if more than 10% of the product has been viewed and/or if any page(s) of the product has been printed. 

 Please visit the Bookstores or email us with questions or concerns. [email protected]

  

Where does the money go that I spend in the bookstore?

100% of Bookstore profits go towards CSB/SJU scholarships and campus improvements!