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Books in the library

Guest1
edited August 2008 in General
I found some of by required books (novels) on the VPL/BPL site and I was wondering should I just borrow them instead of buying them?

I only found 4 of the books, but if I just borrowed them from the library instead of buying them new, I would save $58.99

However I'm scared that the books will be checked out when I use them =T Even if I put myself on the waiting list I might not get them in time/be behind/get them too early and can't renew them.

And all the books go back to their publisher by the end of September right?

Should I just suck it up, buy the books and hope the bookstore takes it back/someone else buys them?

Anyone have any experiences on this?

Another question, why do some students sell their books to other students instead of just returning them to the bookstore? How will I know if it's better if I sell them to others than the bookstore?

Comments

  • blackhat
    edited August 2008
    I had no problems using library copies of the textbook. They allow you to take it home over night too which is a plus. Waitlists weren't such a problem for me, I just found something else to work on while my book was checked out.

    Regarding your second question, personally, I just like to screw the publishers who come up with new editions each semester. The bookstore doesn't sell old editions so you have to get them directly from another student.
  • xxk1nky
    edited August 2008
    I'd just buy it. And $58.99 is pretty cheap for a textbook!
  • randomuser
    edited August 2008
    just suck up the late fees from the library...its less than buying the textbook
  • Kingsley
    edited August 2008
    usually if you sell books to students, you can get a higher price, since the bookstore likes to suck your money.
  • mmw4
    edited August 2008
    i had friends that borrowed novels at the public library and just renewed them. worked out fine for them
    however, i personally rather not go through all the trouble and just bought the books

    i believe the bookstore will buy it for 60% of your original price.
    so for example, if you bought the brand new textbook for 100, they will give you 60 for buyback
    and they'll sell it for around 80 as a used textbook
    if you sell it for 70 to other students, you will make 10 more bucks and the buyer will save 10bucks!
    be careful though,
    some sellers try to rip you off and tell you they are cheaper than the bookstore but only to find that it is cheaper than the NEW but more expensive than the old
    if you go on facebook, some guy got ripped off buy this girl call "Karly Male"
    so beware of scammers!
  • Guest1
    edited August 2008
    xxk1nky;35681 said:
    I'd just buy it. And $58.99 is pretty cheap for a textbook!
    It's actually for 4 novels so i guess it's pretty cheap? I dunno =p

    It's sad because i have to buy them all new since there's no used in the bookstore or people selling them =T
    mmw4;35686 said:
    i had friends that borrowed novels at the public library and just renewed them. worked out fine for them
    however, i personally rather not go through all the trouble and just bought the books

    i believe the bookstore will buy it for 60% of your original price.
    so for example, if you bought the brand new textbook for 100, they will give you 60 for buyback
    and they'll sell it for around 80 as a used textbook
    if you sell it for 70 to other students, you will make 10 more bucks and the buyer will save 10bucks!
    be careful though,
    some sellers try to rip you off and tell you they are cheaper than the bookstore but only to find that it is cheaper than the NEW but more expensive than the old
    if you go on facebook, some guy got ripped off buy this girl call "Karly Male"
    so beware of scammers!

    I guess i'll just buy the books, then =T
    Yeah, I'm scared that I'll get ripped off in both selling and buying.... i guess i'll look at how much others are selling it for or sell it for a couple bucks cheaper depending on if it's a novel or textbook.

    I actually bought the wrong textbook from someone and she was VERY nice and she was willing to buy it back!!! I was so lucky
  • schmoey
    edited August 2008
    Try Amazon or Chapters if you haven't already, free shipping for $39+ is pretty nice, and it'll take a week to get to you if they're in stock. Though I would recommend Amazon over Chapters because:
    1. No PST
    2. First time buyers get a $10 coupon off a $40+ purchase
  • randomuser
    edited August 2008
    is all this time really worth saving the extra dollars youre saving...?
  • Guest1
    edited August 2008
    schmoey;35710 said:
    Try Amazon or Chapters if you haven't already, free shipping for $39+ is pretty nice, and it'll take a week to get to you if they're in stock. Though I would recommend Amazon over Chapters because:
    1. No PST
    2. First time buyers get a $10 coupon off a $40+ purchase
    Thanks, I guess i'll do that next semester if i can't find them at a good price =]

    Is it really free shipping to Canada? Cause I remember using Amazon ages ago and they charged me shipping even thought it was over $40, plus, I had to pay an extra $15 when the delivery guy came (I was pretty mad about that, lol)

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