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Frequently Asked Questions About Textbook Ordering and Charging
General Textbook Questions
When and where do I pick up my textbook order?
Deadlines and locations for making and picking up textbook orders as well as textbook charging dates can be found on our Dates and Events Page.
Why can't I find my class?
There may be several reasons: 1) the instructor hasn't submitted book information to us, so it's noted that materials haven't been determined yet** see below; 2) it's a combination undergraduate/graduate course which you'll find at the end of the list of classes (ex: ‘BUSN 454/654'). If your course is definitely not showing when you submit your order for the other classes, you can type in a message on the ‘order summary' screen that comes up right after the ‘shipping options' screen. The message box is right below the boxed area that shows what you've ordered.; 3) you may not be in the right department so make sure you are looking under the correct department code (for example: Psychology is PSYC and not PHYS which is for Physics).
** If you do locate your section but see the message 'Textbook requirements have not yet been determined for this course. You will have the option to select whether or not to add materials if they become available." , you can click on the 'add to cart' link and designate an update action on the 'order preference screen' when you start the checkout process.
Why is the same book listed more than once for my class?
Books are sometimes available as a text only option and as a package option that includes the text plus other item/s put in by the publisher. Also, sometimes we'll have required items available separately (ex: used book, new workbook) and as a package (new of both required components). We also have eBook versions available for some texts so you may see a listing for a digital eBook, too.
Why isn't there anything in my cart?
When you selected the dept (ex: ACCT) and then course (ex: ACCT ‘102') and clicked the button to ‘Continue to Get Course Materials', you need to click on the ‘add to cart' button next to the items you want to order…otherwise your order will come to us showing nothing was selected.
Nothing happened when I ‘logged-in'.
If you haven't ordered books before, you need to click on the ‘register here' button to register you in our system (you'll get an automatic email confirmation when you've registered successfully). The email address you indicate can be any active email account you have and use. Then you'll be able to go on through the checkout process. If you've ordered books before but not since Spring '05, you'll need to register again because we switched to a new online order system in June, 2005. If you can't remember your password, click on the ‘lost your password?' button.
Why am I asked for a billing address? Are you going to send me a bill?
We will not send you a bill. All books ordered will be charged to the credit card or student charge account you will enter on the checkout screen. You will see the 'Billing Address' screen after you've logged in. Think of this screen as the ‘customer information' screen…it's just asking for some basic customer information.
Can I add to my order or delete it?
Once you've gone through the checkout process and clicked on the ‘submit order' button on the ‘payment options' screen, your order is sent to us and is unable to be changed or deleted in any way from that point on. You will automatically get an email confirmation of what you submitted. After submitting an online order, you can certainly call us with any changes if necessary. If you've added a class later, or see a course you're taking is now listed on the website, you can submit a separate order with the new course information. All orders for the same customer are combined into one.
What if I drop a class after submitting an order?
You can either call us to let us know to credit back your account, or simply return your textbook order box when you pick it up at the bookstore.
What if I want my books held longer?
You will want to let us to know before the pickup deadline if you need them held longer and through what date. You can let us know this when you submit your order by typing in a message in the message field box on the ‘order summary' screen (right after the ‘shipping options' screen).
General Textbook Questions
What is Book and Supply Charging at the Bookstore?
- Student textbook charging dates can be found on our Dates and Events Page.
- Book charging limit is $750 and is an OPTIONAL loan from the bookstore that is paid off at the business office.
- NDSU student ID is required.
- Must be a registered student at NDSU and you can begin to use the book charge service starting the business day after registering.
- Textbook and course material charging is available for fall and spring semesters.
- All Business Office holds must be cleared if you want to use our optional book charging service.
- Products available to charge: textbooks and supplies.
- All bookstore charges MUST be paid at Customer Account Services or the Bison Connection.
- Unpaid charges will incur interest and holds on student records, including registration.
- Any refunds will be applied to your NDSU account as a credit. If you have no other charges you are responsible for, the Business Office will issue you a refund.
- You can pay for your books via any other traditional way also.
What is a PRS unit? How do I register my PRS unit?
A PRS unit (Personal Response System), is a remote electronic response device used in many classes. They are at the cash registers for purchase and are not put into textbook order boxes.
HOW TO REGISTER A PRS UNIT:
Once logging in to Blackboard, students can scroll down and click on the PRS link under the green 'My Organizations' bar.
Then click on the Tools link in the green side bar at the left (the last item listed under 'External Links')
Scroll down and click on the 'Register PRS unit' link then following the directions for entering your PRS unit's ID number and 'Submit'.
PRS Unit Instruction Booklet: page 1,page 2, page 3,page 4, page 5, and page 6.
(If page view is too small, place mouse on image and then wait for the icon in the bottom right corner to appear to enlarge the image.)
Why do some publishers come out with new editions every couple of years?
Business issues are clearly a factor in determining the life of an edition. Publishers and authors do not get royalties from the sale of used books. Primarily the average edition-life of a textbook, which is two to three years, has shortened because the exponential growth of information has necessitated a shorter revision of cycle to keep books current.
How do frequent edition changes affect the Bookstore?
The NDSU Bookstore understands the need for textbooks to be kept current. However, edition changes generally hurt the Bookstore's relationship with students. It is very difficult to explain at the buyback counter that an old edition of a textbook cannot be repurchased by the store. In addition, there would be more used books for students, and fewer inventory problems for stores, if editions didn't change as frequently.
Will I be able to sell back my PRS unit?
Buyback of PRS Units is based on demand. We highly recommend that unless you are graduating or otherwise leaving NDSU you keep your PRS unit. The number of classes that make use of PRS units continues to grow. The buyback price for PRS units, if stock is needed, is 50% of the new unit price.
Can you give me any tips for selling back my used books or other information I should be aware of?
Keep your books in good condition. Bring in any CD's or other items that came with your books. National demand does influence the price you will be offered for your books. GUARD YOUR BOOKS AS IF THEY WERE CASH! Book theft does happen and the prospect of quick and easy cash from selling back textbooks can be a temptation for would be thieves.
When is the next buyback?
Dates, times and locations for the next textbook buyback can be found on our Dates and Events Page.
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