Brookhaven Courier

Issue date: 12/3/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Samantha Nickel

Students have options when it comes to purchasing and selling textbooks.

The Follett Bookstore at Brookhaven College offers both new and used books with prices that range from $6-400.

"We understand there are online competitors however we focus on customer service and getting the students the correct book," Connie Conley, textbook manager at Brookhaven's Follett store, said.

It's convenient to have the ability to physically see the product at the location, Conley said.

Students also have the option of purchasing or ordering textbooks online through efollett.com. The books can either be shipped to their home address or to any Follett location.

Arturo Cervantes and Erica Leifert, Brookhaven sophomores, both agree the bookstore is a convenient and fast approach to buying and selling used books, but they said the books ordered online can take longer to receive.

"We usually have 1-2 weeks to purchase our books," Cervantes said. "Most of the time the professors tell us which books we need."

Cervantes said the shipping costs, getting the wrong books and not being able to physically see the condition are a few reasons why he does not shop online.

Conley said the buyback program at the bookstore provides students with an option for selling their books. Used books can be bought back based on demand and condition. If the book is new and in excellent condition, students can receive up to 50 percent of the price of the new version. If the book is used and in excellent condition students can receive up to 50 percent the price of the used book.

"We offer different promotions when students sell us their used books," Conley said. "They can receive an additional 10 percent when they decide to place the credit on a gift card."

Leifert said: "Many of our books are designed to save us money. My biology book for example has specific things needed for the class."

Both Cervantes and Leifert sometimes purchase their books from other students.

"Some students have come up to me or I've overheard a conversation about someone selling a book," Cervantes said.

Other options for students is Student Programs and Resources, where there are two separate boards for students to post books they want to buy or sell, and the off-campus bookstore, which is located at the intersection of Spring Valley Road and Brookhaven Club Drive.

Mike Aviles, SPAR employee and undecided sphomore, said many students come in and post their requests on these two boards.

"The system works pretty well because we [SPAR] take down the posts every 30 days, which means the requests are current."

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