Textbook and Course Material Buying Guide

Save Money on Textbooks: Smart Buying Tips

Visit the ECC Bookstore Website

The ECC Bookstore collects course material requirements from instructors and posts the information for students. Use the Bookstore website to determine which course materials are needed for your classes. ECC has incorporated a price comparison tool to help you find the best price.

Elgin Community College owns and operates the ECC Bookstore to benefit our campus. Proceeds from purchases made at the bookstore support the college and its students. You can also find course materials, supplies, ECC spirit wear, scrub tops, culinary supplies, and more.

Buy Used and Check the Condition

If you don’t need a brand-new textbook, buying used can save you money. When purchasing a used book, check its condition carefully. Missing pages or water damage can affect your ability to use or resell it later. Writing and highlighting are usually acceptable if you plan to sell the book at the end of the semester.

Consider Renting a Textbook

Many courses offer textbook rental options. Renting is a cost-effective choice if you don’t plan to keep the book or write in it after the class ends. Be sure to review and follow the rental agreement terms, as rentals are different from buying and reselling used textbooks.

Understand Access Codes

Access codes provide entry to publisher-provided online content and may be required for assignments, quizzes, or exams. These codes are often included at a lower cost when bundled with a new textbook. If you buy a used or rented book, you may need to purchase the access code separately.

Choose the Right Format

Textbooks are available in various formats, including e-books, softcover editions, custom college editions, international editions, and bundles with online access. eBooks often offer different access lengths. While the content is usually similar across formats, review features carefully to ensure you’re paying only for what you need.

Consider an Older Edition

Before purchasing, ask your instructor if an older textbook edition is acceptable. Older editions often have only minor differences, such as updated diagrams or page numbers, and can be significantly less expensive. Always confirm the required edition before making a purchase.

Compare Prices Online

Use the ECC Bookstore cost comparison tool to check prices from Amazon, AbeBooks, Alibris, and VitalSource. You may also want to explore these additional textbook sites:

1. Valore Books: Buy or rent textbooks and have free return shipping
2. Campus Books: Buy, rent, or sell your textbooks with a handy comparison tool
3. BookFinder: Compare book prices and shipping costs across multiple sites

Search by ISBN

Ensure you buy the correct textbook edition by searching the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), which can be found on the ECC Bookstore website, on the back cover of the book, or the course syllabus.

Buy Your Books Early

Purchase your books as soon as you know what you need. Used textbooks are limited in quantity, and the lowest-priced options tend to sell out first.

Consider the Renner Academic Library

The Renner Academic Library supports the college curriculum and academic research. While textbooks are not typically available for checkout, some instructors place textbooks on reserve for in-library use. To check availability, contact the Circulation Desk at circdesk@elgin.edu or 847-214-7337.

Sell Your Used Textbooks

Sell back your used textbooks and help cover the cost of next semester's books. The ECC Bookstore offers textbook buybacks each semester. Exact dates and times will be posted on the Bookstore website. You can also try selling your books online with other textbook websites.