Students look for best bookstore alternatives

Sophomore Andrew Robarge went shopping for books Tuesday afternoon. "The prices are ridiculous," he complained.

Robarge, along with most other JMU students, will begin the semester with a serious dent in his wallet.

Though "high textbook prices come from publishers," as JMU Bookstore director John Rheault said, students still have several very different options when it comes to purchasing textbooks.

The JMU Bookstore is the most obvious place to consider buying books. Here, a student can be sure it’s the correct book for their class. With its online ordering capabilities and central location, it is a very convenient option. Though it cannot claim to be the cheapest, it is competitively priced, according to Rheault.

Robarge said he "mainly just come[s] here (JMU Bookstore) because it’s convenient."

Another popular source is the University Outpost Bookstore located behind the Campus Corner station on Port Republic Road. Junior Amanda McMahon shops there because "they’re helpful, personable and they go out of their way for you." The owners work alongside the student employees, directing customers to the correct book.

Sophomore Erica Ramsey likes it because she can "usually find [books] cheaper" and it’s close to her home.

The store also has a "pull ’n hold" program where it will take a book off the shelf for a student and reserve the book until it can be picked up.

Some other options are textbook buying Web sites, such as amazon.com, walmart.com and half.com. "I saved over $100 last fall" using half.com, junior Morgan Ferguson said.

"It’s really nice to be able to find books a lot cheaper, even though it takes a little more time to find them," Ferguson added.

The drawbacks of this site are that returns are more difficult, it takes from two days to two weeks and one must be careful to order the right book, she said.

The site connects individuals with other JMU students looking to buy or sell their textbooks.