Thinking ahead to the textbook questions that will come when classes resume

I have discussed the problem of students looking for their textbooks in the library. It is inevitable that this will start when classes resume. I have compiled a list issues involved with this textbook issue:


1. Always take the student to the terminal and show them how to look up a book.

2. Say “I am sorry, but as a matter of policy the library does not collect textbooks required for courses. Your professor feels that it is in your best interest to own the book."

3. Student will say “ I just can’t afford the $150 for the book.” Librarian should say that the cost of the textbook is part of the cost of your education.

4. Beginning this semester the NJIT bookstore will rent textbooks. This will obviously lower the cost.

5. The student will ask I need the textbook for a certain course. Now you can go to http://www.njit.edu/registrar and look up the course and the section. There is now a link to the NJIT bookstore which will give the title of the book.

6. Students will often say the bookstore is out of stock or that they ordered the book online and it hasn’t arrived.

7. Very often the library will have an older edition of the textbook in circulation or on reserve. Publishers issue new editions to dry up the used textbook market.