Textbooks - FAQ

Why buy the books?

Your text is a 24 hour-a-day resource that gives you access to the knowledge, insights, and experience of authors who are subject-matter experts. A textbook is usually several years in the making before it comes off the press. It is a study tool used to support what is taught in the classroom. A textbooks value goes far beyond the actual price you pay for the book itself. It is an investment in your future.

How do I know what book to purchase?

In order to assist students in purchasing the correct curriculum-related materials, the USU Bookstore prepares for months before the term starts. We collect all of the pertinent information directly from the instructors and departments. Then we verify book information with the publishers to make sure everything is correct. We communicate with the instructor whenever questions arise. These steps ensure that we have the correct textbooks for you.

How can I maintain a high GPA?

One good way to keep a high GPA is to buy your textbooks. They are a great resource and can really be helpful in studying for exams. Add class attendance coupled with plenty of study time, and you should do great in your classes.

Should I buy new or used?

While some may want new textbooks free from marks and highlighting, others may prefer to save up to 25% by purchasing used textbooks. It is our goal to stock as many used textbooks as possible, but because of the savings, they're in high demand. So hurry in, shop early, and save money.

What is a custom published book or course reader?

Some instructors choose to create a custom book for their course with excerpts from multiple sources. The Bookstores Academic Publishing Department works with these instructors to obtain copyright permissions and to create the final product. These are printed at university copy centers and sold in the Bookstore. These may include course readers, syllabi, course notes, and entire books that are no longer in print.

What is a pubpack, bundle, or package?

These are textbooks that the publisher has assembled with other items such as a CD, study guide, web access card, etc. They generally sell for less than the new stand-alone components. We make every effort to carry the components and the text alone (in used where possible) to give our customers the choice of the new package or individual components.

When are books available for the upcoming semester?

USU Bookstore begins receiving books about 8 weeks before the term begins. By three weeks prior to the start of the term over 90% of the titles are available for purchase. To get access to the biggest selection of new and used books, we recommend you shop early.

Four ways to shop

1. In person: visit our store in the lower level of the Taggart Student Center.
2. Online: at www.bookstore.usu.edu
3. Telephone: if you prefer telephone shopping, just call 800-662-3950 or (435)-797-3950. Your order will be shipped directly to your doorstep via UPS, or you can pick it up in our store.
4. Book It: textbook reservation service. (see below)

Book It

A great way to get your books is to reserve them using BookIt. You reserve; we pull and box the right books for your classes, charge them to your credit card, and have them ready for you to pick up when you arrive on campus. It couldn't get much easier. Place your reservation early for the best opportunity to save dollars by purchasing used books. Order at the Textbook Selection Page. or call 800-662-3950 or (435)-797-3950.

Why isnt there a used copy of this textbook?

The USU Bookstore stocks as many used books for USU classes as we can get our hands on; however, when a book goes to a new edition, it is impossible to get used books for that edition until after the first term it is used. Most textbooks are revised every two to three years.

What is Rush?

Here at the Bookstore the busiest days of the year are at the beginning of a term. This period is called rush. We prepare for months, extend our store hours, and train additional staff well in advance to assist you during rush.

Our shelves are stocked and ready with books, school supplies, and fun Aggie merchandise. While lines are generally short, taking just a few minutes to check out, during peak times as long as 15 minutes may be required. We are ready with extra registers and line queues to accommodate you quickly. Just remember, midday is the busiest time, so come early or come later in the day to avoid the crowd.

What should I do when the books for my class are sold out?

In most cases there will be a shelf talker informing you the arrival due date for reordered books. Some will tell you to place a Special Order. This is done at the Textbook Customer Service Desk. You pay for the book, we pay for the shipping; furthermore, on orders placed during the first two weeks of classes, we pay for 2nd Day Air to get the book here for you as quickly as possible.

How can I sell my books at the end of the term?

Sell them at textbook buyback. Unlike tuition and fees; rent, food, and utilities; car, phone, and medical expenses; some of your textbooks will have value at the end of the term. You may want to keep some for reference and sell the rest at buyback.

What is your return policy?

Please see our Refund Policy