Can you recommend a program for free or low-cost college textbooks?

[OneGrassRoot]

I awoke to this Wishlist post and must be away from the computer most of the day, so I don't have time to research. She's in Washington State. Do you know of any free or low-cost textbook programs, specific to Washington State or a national program? Thank you very much.

I am an incoming student at the University of Washington with plans to study Public Health with the goal of working to improve health outcomes for disadvantaged populations. I'm very excited about my chosen career path and I was thrilled when I found out that I was accepted. Unfortunately, the school does not provide any kind of advance on Financial Aid before the first week of class. Of course, at that point, our primary option is to buy books at the overpriced bookstore. I would like to avoid that and find cheaper used books online. However, I'm only currently earning enough money to barely squeak by on a monthly basis and I'm already in debt to a pawn shop for money I needed to secure housing. I'd greatly appreciate any help with buying books before the Autumn quarter starts. Once I get my financial aid, my plan is to "pay it forward" and fulfill someone else's wish.

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/187/need-help-purchasing-textbooks-for-school/

[HiPointDem]

1. I don't know anything in particular, but if the person is at the UW, there used to be regular

bookstores in the area that had (used) textbooks (not the regular UW bookstore), also department bulletin boards & now online resources. Talking to people (students and faculty) in the department can help too. Also, some profs will loan you books at the start of the term or make them available through the library.

There's also this, which might include some of the courses the person is taking:

http://www.sbctc.edu/general/documents/OpenCourseLibrary_FINAL_04302013.pdf

and this:

http://washington.uloop.com/forsale/index.php/textbook

[leveymg]

2. A few things I learned as a penniless student

A limited number of reserve copies are usually in the school library.

Ask the professor in each class if (s)he has any extra copies of texts and materials to lend. Don't be afraid to admit you're broke, but don't announce you're a poor student. They'll find out soon enough.

Ad hoc Coop buying, sharing and renting - share the cost of books you have to buy with a group of other students in the same major, classes.

If you know you're taking a class next semester, contact the students in the same class now and arrange to buy their books.

Used book stores are your friends, but it's not a monogamous relationship.

Never pay retail.

[OneGrassRoot]

3. Fellow early birds (or night owls?) above, THANK YOU!!! N/T

[Pholus]

4. This is not an endorsement, but I notice that chegg.com sells or "rents" textbooks

for various courses. They claim a large savings over new ones.

I have not purchased from them, nor do I necessarily even like them:

Their online solution manuals make most textbook problems you assign a waste of time. I used to make homework 40% of the final grade to keep the stress down, now it's more like 10% because I was sick of grading scads of identical copies of homework sets right down to the typos.

But for someone who has a problem getting books this might be an option to consider.

[Sherman A1]

5. Just a thought

and perhaps not a good one or practical, but might any of them be available for download? Might be worth checking.

Don't know but the world of book publishing is rapidly changing and it may be a less expensive option.

Best of Luck!

[southernyankeebelle]

6. Have you put on the bulletin board looking for books in your particular class? Ask

around sometimes you can buy a book from students who already had the class. I'd also try google. You'd be surprise what you can find. Good lucky.

[Mass]

7. My son buys his books on Amazon. He buys used books and you can sometimes find them very cheap.

It is worth checking.

You can rent them as well, but we have found that buying them new on Amazon is cheaper and you can resell them when you are done. Of course, you need a credit card though, so it may not be an option here.

Has he checked with the college library if they have the books either for loans or consultation. It is often the case.
Frankly, the price of college books is racket

[gblady]

8. in grad school a few years ago....

I purchased most of my books from half.com
was able to get some good bargains.

[OneGrassRoot]

9. Thank you all so very, very much. :) n/t