What to Do With Your Textbooks After the Semester
Posted: April 19, 2024 | Author: Madelyn Bushman | Read Time: 3 minutes
After students finish their final exams, the familiar question arises, “What should I do with all my textbooks now that the semester is over?”
There are different routes you can go with unloading textbooks after the semester. Let’s take a look.
Sell Online
One of the most common ways to part with your textbooks is by selling them online. Numerous platforms, such as Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or dedicated textbook buyback websites (bookscouter.com), make it easy for you to recoup some of your expenses. Be sure to check the book’s condition and compare prices on different platforms for the best deal.
There are Facebook pages and groups out there that are specific to selling textbooks. This allows you to exchange or sell textbooks with fellow students, saving money for everyone involved.
There are two Facebook groups in particular that you may be interested in: 1) SUU Book Buy and Sell; and the SUU Online Community Page . Though the latter is for online students to connect with each other, students have sold and exchanged books with other students through that group.
Utilize Rentals
Instead of paying full price for new or used textbooks, there are options for students to rent their textbooks for a fraction of the cost. This way you don’t have to keep or resell the textbook after completing the course.
Websites like Amazon, Chegg, or eCampus have rental options available for textbooks where students can return the books after the semester has ended. There are also options for renting a new or used textbook, whichever you prefer. One main condition is that you have to take care of the textbooks or you may be charged a fee for damages to the textbook.
Digital Versions
Consider exploring digital versions of textbooks. Many online programs offer e-books at a fraction of the cost of print editions. In addition, there are options to only be able to access the digital version during a certain period of time, meaning that after the semester ends you won’t have access to it.
This can not only reduce physical clutter but also provide you with a portable and easily accessible version of your textbook while studying.
SUU’s Bookstore Textbook Buyback Program
Southern Utah University has an online buyback program where students are able to sell their textbooks free of charge. The bookstore has partnered with MBS Textbook Exchange, the nation’s largest textbook wholesaler, in order to offer students the best prices for used textbooks.
Use BookDrop
BookDrop buys, sells and donates books. You can get a quote from them by texting pictures (801) 406-7398. Once you have a quote you can follow their simple three-step process to get paid for your books. If they aren’t buying any of the titles you have to get rid of, they always accept books as donations and work with many different charities. Bookdrop has many locations including a location in Cedar City, making it accessible for SUU students.
Donate to a Library or Charity
Consider giving back to your community by donating your textbooks to local libraries, schools, or charitable organizations. Many places welcome book donations, and your textbooks could become valuable resources for those who may not have easy access to educational materials.
Examples of charitable organizations to which you can donate your textbooks are:
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Books for Africa
- World Literacy Foundation
- Room to Read
- Better World Books
On that note, it might be worth your while to check out your local or school library for the books you need before buying textbooks. Maybe another student has donated the book you are seeking. If you can check it out, that could save you even more!
Rather than letting your textbooks gather dust on your bookshelves, consider any of these sustainable options to give your textbooks a new purpose.
These options are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to ensure that your textbooks continue to be useful beyond the semester and out of your hands.
