Bookstore FAQ

Avoid the long lines and big crowds that accompany the first week of each semester by purchasing your text early. Studies show 76 percent of all textbook sales take place during this brief period. It is the Bookstore’s goal to have the textbooks when you need it. During this peak period at Morton College, other colleges and universities around the country are experiencing similar situations. Publishers, suppliers and shippers are all operating at capacity, so you may have to wait.

Q: Why are so many books on the list?

The bookstore does not select titles to be used in a course. The instructor teaching the course makes a decision based on his or her concept of course requirements. Every fall and spring, instructors submit an official textbook list and all books are required unless marked optional on the shelf tag.

Optional Books, (such as study guides, student solutions manuals, etc.) are available if you need extra help in your classes.

Q: Why are the prices so high?

Price is an end product that accumulates as a book is created and distributed. Factors include the price for printing, paper, binding, manufacturing and author’s royalties, to name a few.

Q: Why isn’t a book being used again?

The decision to change a textbook is made by the instructor, not the Bookstore. It really isn’t to the Bookstore’s advantage to change books because of the expense involved. Textbooks become dated very quickly because of changes in world events, new information and updated teaching techniques.

Q: Why aren’t more used books available?

As a general practice, bookstores supply used books whenever possible. However, available quantities are limited. Some books are not published in large quantities, so there is a limit on the number of used books.