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config.footer.left: "Buying Textbooks </br>Last updated: Summer 2023"
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Welcome
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{embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nfinkbeiner/48519446661/in/photostream/" title="OpenStax OER at Harvard University"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48519446661_f80169b3cb_k.jpg" width="2048" height="1536" alt="OpenStax OER at Harvard University"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>', alt: 'stack of OpenStax chemistry textbooks at a college bookstore'}
Buying textbooks? The Scholarly Communications Department at <a href="https://www.gettysburg.edu/library">Musselman Library</a> has created this guide to help you find them at an affordable cost.
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{link to: 'FinAid', label: 'Start my textbook journey.'}
{link to: 'HC', label: 'Start in high contrast.'}
{link to: 'How To', label: 'How does this work?'}
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<p style="font-size:16px;">Image Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nfinkbeiner/48519446661/in/photostream/">"OpenStax OER at Harvard University"</a>
by Nicole Finkbeiner, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">CC BY 2.0.</a></p>
<p style="font-size:16px;">This interactive guide was developed by Theodore Szpakowski based on the Buying Textbooks flowchart.</p>Financial aid
==
Do you have financial aid?
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{link to: 'FinAid Y', label: 'Yes, I have financial aid.'}
{link to: 'Bookstore', label: 'No, I do not have financial aid.'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Financial aid
==
Great! Contact your financial aid officer to see if you have any funds to spend on textbooks.
Not sure who your financial aid counselor is? Check out the <a href="https://www.gettysburg.edu/admissions-aid/applying-for-financial-aid/financial-aid-counselors">financial aid website</a> to find out who to talk with and how to get in touch.
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{link to: 'Bookstore', label: 'Now find your books!'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}
Bookstore
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Check out the College Bookstore to see what books you need for your classes. Search for textbooks by course number and section on the <a href="https://gettysburg.bncollege.com/course-material/course-finder" target="_blank"> bookstore's website (opens in new tab).</a>
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{link to: 'Prices', label: 'I have found the books I need.'}
{link to: 'No Books', label: 'My books are not listed.'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Finding books
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Some of your classes may not have any required books, but you should email your professor to check. Knowing your assigned books in advance gives you time to comparison shop and to order books online if they are cheaper somewhere else.
{embed passage: 'Email'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Prices
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Okay, you've identified your books. How are those prices?
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{link to: 'OER', label: "They're free!"}
{link to: 'Bookstore 2', label: "It's within my budget."}
{link to: 'Compare', label: "They're very expensive!!"}
{link to: 'Bookstore', label: 'Wait, what books?'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Open educational resources
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Awesome! Your professor may be using open educational resources (OER). Be sure to thank them if it has made a difference for you!
Learn more about OER and open education with these <a href="https://opentextbookalliance.org/resources/open-textbooks-student-resources/" target="_blank">resources from the U.S. Student PIRGs.</a>
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{link to: 'Prices', label: 'I have more books to look for.'}
{link to: 'Ending', label: "I've found everything I need!"}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}
Bookstore
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Great! You can visit the Bookstore on campus to purchase, or buy online and pick up in store. Be aware of the Bookstore's policies for textbook pre-orders, especially for used books. If there are no used books available, you may be charged the new book price.
Also, be sure to read the agreement for book rentals so you know when to return your books to avoid late fees! Their website includes <a href="https://gettysburg.bncollege.com/customer-service#rental-faq">frequently asked questions about book rentals.</a>
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{link to: 'Prices', label: 'I have more books to look for.'}
{link to: 'Ending', label: "I've found everything I need!"}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Comparison shopping
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If the bookstore is too expensive, try some comparison shopping online. Search using the book's ISBN, and try using comparison tools like <a href="https://www.bookfinder.com/textbooks/">Bookfinder</a>, <a href="https://www.slugbooks.com/">SlugBooks</a>, and <a href="https://www.bigwords.com/">Bigwords</a>.
Have you found something that works for your budget?
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{link to: 'Ordering', label: 'Yes. How do I get the books sent to campus?'}
{link to: 'Prices', label: "Yes, but I've still got other books to look for."}
{link to: 'Library', label: 'No, this is still too expensive...'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Library
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Check out the library! We have several zero-cost options for getting books. Your assigned books may be available in our Course Materials collection, or in the regular library collection.
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{link to: 'CMC1', label: 'The Course Materials collection?'}
{link to: 'MUSCAT', label: 'The regular collection?'}
{link to: 'Last Resort', label: "I searched everywhere already, and I still can't find my books."}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}
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Check out the library's website for additional detail about <a href="https://www.gettysburg.edu/musselman-library/services/affordable-course-materials/resources-for-students">affordable course materials
at the library</a>.Course Materials collection
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Some professors request that their assigned books be added to the library's physical Course Materials collection. (Before the 2023-24 academic year, this collection was called Course Reserves.)
Books in this collection can be checked out for two hours at a time so that they can be shared among students. Search under <a href="https://gettysburg.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01GETTYSBURG_INST:MUSCAT&lang=en&mode=advanced&tab=CourseReserves&search_scope=CourseReserves">Course Materials and Reserves in MUSCAT Plus</a> to see if any are available for your class. You can use the course instructor's name or course number to search for books.
**Please note:** The library does not automatically acquire copies of all course's textbooks; materials are added to this collection each semester at the request of the course instructor. Additionally, not all textbooks are available for the library to purchase.
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{link to: 'CMC2', label: 'Success! I found my book in the Course Materials collection.'}
{link to: 'Library', label: 'No luck... Is there anywhere else in the library I can look?'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Library catalog
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Does the library have a physical or e-book version of your text? Search for library resources in <a href="https://gettysburg.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01GETTYSBURG_INST:MUSCAT&lang=en">MUSCAT Plus.</a>
If you're only looking for e-books, try using the <a href="https://gettysburg.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?tab=OnlineResources&search_scope=OnlineResources&vid=01GETTYSBURG_INST:MUSCAT&lang=en&mode=advanced&offset=0">Online Resources search</a>. Select "Books" under the Material Type filter to further refine your search.
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{link to: 'Ebook info', label: 'I found an ebook!'}
{link to: 'Print books', label: "I'd really rather use a physical, print book..."}
{link to:'CMC1', label: 'Tell me more about that Course Materials collection.'}
{link to: 'Ebook help', label: "I'm not finding anything in the library that works for me..."}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Additional resources
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Okay, you've tried everything here and you just can't afford your textbooks. Luckily, there are still a few more people you can ask for help.
First, reach out to your professor and let them know. They may know of other resources or ways to help. They want you to succeed!
You can email your professor from <a href="https://www.gettysburg.edu/current-students/" target="_blank">the current students page (opens in new tab).</a> Follow the link in the menu to "Navigate," log in, and you'll see a box labeled "Your Success Team" with a list of your professors. From there, you can click the envelope icon to email them.
The Office of Multicultural Engagement also has a program called Mosaic Minds that allows you to borrow textbooks for the semester, free of charge. ***Please note: the OME cannot purchase individual access codes, and requests are limited to two per student.*** You can also reach out to the OME directly for more information at <a href="mailto:ome_admin@gettysburg.edu">ome_admin@gettysburg.edu</a> or by phone at (717) 337-6311.
Our office is also available to help! Come find us in the Scholarly Communications office on the lower level of Musselman Library, or on <a href="https://www.gettysburg.edu/musselman-library/services/scholarly-communications/">our website</a>.
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{link to: 'Prices', label: 'Okay, on to the rest of my classes for now.'}
{link to: 'Ending', label: 'Okay, that was my last class.'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Library e-books
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Great! Please be aware: some of our e-books only allow a limited number of people to use them or place a time limit on how long they can be checked out. Make sure to check that the book you've found suits your needs.
Check out the <a href="https://libguides.gettysburg.edu/ebooks">library's e-book guide</a> for more information, including how to identify e-books in our catalog and recognize restrictions on number of users and downloads.
Still have questions about that e-book? Drop by the Research Help Desk—we'd be happy to help you sort it out!
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{link to: 'Prices', label: 'I have more books to look for.'}
{link to: 'Ending', label: "I've found everything I need!"}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Requesting a textbook purchase
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If we don't already have one, the library might be able to get a copy of your book. You can fill out the <a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Zh7aB2bWL0S9rhX_dcQUHU2RHJH9yJtBnBLdjFJ9DhhUM0hQMjBWMTAwNEIzU0FQQlJYWlNYVkJGVC4u">Course Materials Request and Reserve Form</a> to request the library purchase a book assigned for your class.
The library's first preference is to purchase e-books that can be used by as many people as possible. If only a physical book is available, we may be able to purchase a copy for the Course Materials collection. For more information on what the library will buy, check out the <a href="https://www.gettysburg.edu/musselman-library/about/textbooks-course-materials-policy">Textbooks and Course Materials Purchasing Policy</a>.
Questions? Contact <a href="mailto:LibraryAcq@gettysburg.edu">LibraryAcq@gettysburg.edu</a>.
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{link to: 'Library', label: 'I want to try looking elsewhere in the library.'}
{link to: 'Prices', label: 'I have more books to look for.'}
{link to: 'CMC1', label: "What's the Course Materials collection?"}
{link to: 'Ending', label: "I've found everything I need!"}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}Bonus tips
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<ul>
<li>Rentals are often cheaper than buying and digital books are often cheaper than physical. Consider what you may need for future classes and studying, though!</li>
<li>On that note, digital copies are *almost never* permanent purchases. Be sure to check the agreement on e-textbook purchases for details about how many pages can be downloaded, printed, etc.</li>
<li>Talk to your friends! They may have taken the class before and have a copy of the book you can borrow or buy for cheap.</li>
<li>Did you find an older version of your textbook for cheap? Check with your professor to see if you can use it for the class.</li>
</ul>
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{restart link, label: 'Start over.'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}The End
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Congratulations—you've completed your quest for textbooks! If you have any questions about this process, or suggestions to make this flowchart better, come talk to us in Scholarly Communications. Our offices are on the lower level of the library. You can also email us at <a href="mailto:oer@gettysburg.edu">oer@gettysburg.edu</a>.
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{link to: 'Bonus Tips', label: "I'm not ready to be finished—I want bonus tips!"}
{restart link, label: 'Start over.'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}You can email your professor from <a href="https://www.gettysburg.edu/current-students/" target="_blank">the current students page (opens in new tab).</a> Follow the link in the menu to "Navigate," log in, and you'll see a box labeled "Your Success Team" with a list of your professors. From there, you can click the envelope icon to email them.
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{link to: 'Prices', label: 'Email sent! On to the rest of my classes for now.'}
{link to: 'Ending', label: 'Email sent, and that was my last class.'}Ordering
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Now that you've found your book online within your budget, you can have it shipped directly to campus.
Your address will be:
***Student Name***</br>
300 North Washington Street</br>
Campus Box ***Box Number***</br>
Gettysburg, PA 17325
You can use your legal or your preferred name (if you have added it to the college system.)
You can find your campus box number on <a href="cnav.gettysburg.edu">CNAV</a>. From the menu, click "My Housing" then "My Housing Self-Service." Your campus box number will appear under your name, student ID, and email.
Once your package arrives, you will receive an email to your school account from the Campus Post Office with pick-up instructions.
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{link to: 'Prices', label: 'I have more books to look for.'}
{link to: 'Ending', label: "I've found everything I need!"}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}
Course Materials collection
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If your book is available in the Course Materials collection, you don't need to do anything else right now. When your professor assigns readings from that book, head to the Checkout Desk on the main floor of Musselman Library, and request to check the book out.
If you expect to use the Course Materials collection as the main way to access your book, be sure to plan ahead—you may not be the only one who needs the book! Course Materials check out for two hours at a time.
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High contrast
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You are now in high contrast.
Do you have financial aid?
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{link to: 'FinAid Y', label: 'Yes, I have financial aid.'}
{link to: 'Bookstore', label: 'No, I do not have financial aid.'}
{link to: 'How To', label: 'Wait, how does this work again?'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}
How to use this guide
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This Buying Textbooks game is built with a tool called Twine. It works like a "choose your own adventure" book, allowing you to follow a path based on your individual situation and choices.
This game will ask you questions about your own experiences with textbooks at Gettysburg College and provide suggestions, tools, and tips that may help you save money on textbooks. You may even learn to advocate for more affordable textbook options!
Some general tips:
<ul>
<li>Unless otherwise indicated, all links open in the same tab of your browser. Don't worry, though:</li>
<li>You can click or step away and come back later without any problems. If you leave this page, Twine and your browser will remember where you left off until you clear your cache.</li>
<li>If you do want to return to a previous page, use the "Return to previous page" link at the bottom of each page. Your browser's back button will not work to navigate through this game.</li>
<li>Feel like you've gotten off track? The Restart button on the bottom-right of each page will clear your progress and take you back to the start page.</li>
<li>The high contrast version of this game provides the same experience, but with larger text and a high contrast color scheme. High contrast mode is available from this page or from the beginning of the game.</li>
</ul>
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{link to: 'FinAid', label: "Okay, I'm ready to get started."}
{link to: 'HC', label: 'Go to high contrast version.'}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}
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Still feeling lost? Email <a href="mailto:oer@gettysburg.edu">oer@gettysburg.edu</a> or drop by the Scholarly Communications offices on the library's lower level. We'll do our best to help you navigate the system!Physical books
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If you're not looking for e-books, try the <a href="https://gettysburg.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?tab=LibraryCatalog&search_scope=LibraryCatalog&vid=01GETTYSBURG_INST:MUSCAT&lang=en&mode=advanced&offset=0">Library Catalog search</a> and select "Available in Library Collections" in the search filters.
If you find the book you're looking for in the catalog, you have a few options for how to get it:
<ul>
<li>Stop by the library to grab the book yourself. Don't forget, if you need help finding the book on our shelves, folks at the Checkout Desk and Research Help Desk are always happy to help!</li>
<li>Request the book through our <a href="https://www.gettysburg.edu/musselman-library/services/my-library-account#mussgo">Muss-to-Go service</a>. Someone from the library will find your book, check it out to you, and leave it on a shelf in the library for quick and easy pick-up.</li>
<li>If the book is in the Course Materials collection, you'll need to go to the Checkout Desk to request it. (This collection is held behind the desk.)</li>
</ul>
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{link to: 'Library', label: 'I want to try looking elsewhere in the library.'}
{link to: 'Prices', label: 'I have more books to look for.'}
{link to: 'CMC1', label: "How does the Course Materials collection work?"}
{back link, label: 'Return to previous page.'}