Bookstore
Course Materials
The USF Bookstores provide students with multiple, cost-saving textbook options including buy new or used, rent (new or used when available), digital options, and the USF Access 鈥極pt-In鈥� Program.
Students may obtain their course materials by shopping in-store or online. Simply have your student ID # ready to see your booklist. By using your student ID # you鈥檙e ensuring the materials match the instructor鈥檚 requirements.
Here鈥檚 a closer look:
1. Start with the Basics
Not all course materials are created equal; knowing the difference between the types of materials at the USF Bookstore can help save students money. As a safe rule, always refer to a course鈥檚 syllabus if unsure!
- Required: these materials are necessary for the course.
- Recommended: these materials were suggested by the instructor and may be helpful but are not necessary to be successful in the class. Purchase only if desired.
- Choice: students can pick their preferred version of an item; one option is usually required for the course. Be sure to check with the instructor for more information.
2. USF Access 鈥極pt-In鈥� Program
USF ACCESS is the Follett鈥檚 鈥淚nclusive Access鈥� course materials savings program available only through the USF Bookstores. It is designed to reduce the cost of required instructional materials (up to 50% on digital titles) and ensure students have access on the first day of class.
Students FAQ
How do I know if my course is using USF ACCESS?
You will receive a welcome email indicating your course is participating in the program.
You will have the option to 鈥渙pt-in.鈥�
What does 鈥淥pt-In鈥� mean?
To 鈥淥pt-in鈥� means you want to participate in the USF ACCESS Program. You will receive
the required course materials at a discounted rate and your OASIS account will be
charged the fee for the course materials.
How long do I have to decide?
鈥淥pt-In鈥� is for a limited time, after the allotted time closes, you will not be able
to take advantage of the discount (date shown in your welcome email).
When/How do I pay for USF ACCESS?
The course charge will be applied to OASIS after the deadline to 鈥淥pt-in鈥� has closed.
Can I 鈥淥pt-Out鈥� after I 鈥淥pt-In鈥�?
Yes, you have until the deadline to 鈥淥pt-out鈥� of the program (date shown in your welcome
email).
What if I drop the course?
If you drop the course before the deadline, you will not be charged. Students that
drop after the deadline will be charged for the cost of the materials.
Who should I contact, if I have additional questions?
You can email USFAccess@follett.com.
3. Buy Textbooks
Students can save money by selecting used print books, instead of purchasing new ones. These books have been used before by another student for at least one semester and are sold at discounted rates. It鈥檚 important to note that used materials may have writing and highlighting in them.
4. Rent Textbooks
The USF Bookstore鈥檚 rental program allows students to save up to 80% off the price of a new textbook. Renting allows students to highlight and take notes in their textbook during the semester, then return it after finals week. Students can often buy the book at the end of the term if they decide to keep it. Not all books are available to rent in all conditions. Your booklist will show rental prices when available.
5. Digital Options
Purchasing digital course materials can save students up to 80% off the price of a new print textbook. Ebooks are almost always less expensive than print books and feature the same material (sometimes ebooks even include bonus content like audio clips, videos, quizzes, and more). Students also have more flexibility with ebooks and can read them anywhere using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Ebooks can be delivered to students in a few different ways. Sometimes they鈥檙e accessible within Canvas, the Learning Management System, and sometimes they鈥檙e delivered with an access code to redeem. It all depends on the publisher/provider of that material. Questions on how to access digital materials? Feel free to email 2094txt@follett.com.
6. Other Great Tools
Price Match to Lower the Cost
The USF Bookstore price match program is for textbooks (rental, used and new only) that are currently in-stock on the bookstore website as well as the competitor site.
Prices are matched against Amazon, Barnes & Noble or a local campus competitor. Exclusions and restrictions apply, learn more about price matching here.
Sell Textbooks Back to the Bookstore
Students who purchase new or used print books through the USF Bookstore may be able to sell their books back for cash after finals week during the 鈥渂uyback鈥� period. As long as the book is in good, usable condition, it can be sold back for as much as 50% of the original price. Learn more about textbook 鈥榖uyback鈥� here.