Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who selects the textbooks the TSJC Bookstore sells?

Course materials are chosen by each instructor or department and are selected by the information that best fits their instructional needs. Instructors choose texts that will best compliment, amplify, expand and enrich what they will present to their class. The value of the text is in the usefulness of the product in teaching the course, whether as a main text, a resource, extra reading for overview and/or comparison, or required readings. The textbook is an investment in your education.

2. Why should I purchase my textbooks?

Textbooks and course materials serve as "tools of the trade" to inform and guide students toward subject matter mastery and classroom success. Textbooks provide you with a 24-hour-a-day resource that gives you access to the knowledge, insights and experience of authors who are subject matter experts and outstanding teachers. Textbooks are thoughtfully written and carefully developed to instill large amounts of often-complex information in an organized format that is logical and readable and appealing.

3. Why do textbooks cost so much?

Many factors affect the price of a textbook. These factors include author royalties, publisher costs, marketing, free ancillaries provided to faculty, freight or other shipping costs plus other bookstore expenses.

4. Which are better, new or used textbooks?

This is a matter of preference. Most used textbooks are priced at approximately 75% of the new textbook price. These books are less expensive but not always desirable for they may contain writing, highlighting or other marks that some students do not want in their books. New textbooks do not contain any marking and may be preferred when you plan to keep a book for future reference