The Truth About Textbooks

Why does the bookstore offer a buyback service?
To establish a uniform method for students to dispose of texts no longer needed/wanted and to obtain a supply of required books that can be resold to students at the lowest possible price.
When is buyback?
Book buyback is held during exam week at the end of each regular semester.
Do I need my sales receipt to sell books?
No. While a receipt is needed to return books for refund during the add-drop period, you do not need a receipt to sell books at buyback.
How does the bookstore determine which books to buy?
The selection of textbooks is always the responsibility of the individual instructor. As booklists are turned in by the faculty for use in a coming semester, we compile a list of texts that will be reused. We try to make this list as complete as possible, but we are dependent on the cooperation of the faculty. Next, based on class enrollments and existing book inventory, our textbook manager determines the quantity of each book that can be purchased at buyback. Books not needed by the bookstore are sold to Nebraska Book Company, a wholesaler, who makes them available to other college stores around the country.
Why are some books worth so much more than others?
The best price is always paid for books needed by the bookstore for the coming semester. Unfortunately, there are several factors that can prevent a book from reaching its full potential at buyback. Some of them are: The professor who last used the book has not yet submitted a book order. A new addition of the book has been released. The book is not being used the following semester.
What happens to books that are worth nothing and/or are no longer being used?
Nebraska Book Company, the wholesaler taking such books, donates them to underprivileged schools and libraries in developing countries. NBC started the "Books for Asia" program in the early 1960s and now donates overstocks to China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea and many other countries.
Why Should I reserve my textbooks?
You might be asking yourself, "Self, why would I want to reserve my textbooks?" Well, tell yourself that it all comes down to economics. A dollar today is worth two tomorrow and time is money. By reserving your textbooks you are insuring that you will be given first shot at our inventory of used textbooks. Used textbooks will save you at least 25% off the cost of new and the books you reserve early are pulled from the shelves two weeks before class starts; that is, two weeks before everyone else has the chance to buy the used ones. In addition, when you reserve your textbooks they are ready for you when you get to town. No walking the shelves, fighting the crowds or wasting your time in endless frustration. Heck, we'll even mail them to you.