LibGuides: Textbooks, Textbooks, Textbooks: Home

Do I have to Buy a Textbook?

Check the Mendocino Library Catalog for titles already put "on reserve" by your instructor.

EOPS & Equity students are able to check out textbooks for the entire semester!

Are you an EOPS student? Check out our list of free titles in the Lending Library.

Equity Students look for free books, calculators, and more in the Equity Library.

Buying or renting from the Mendocino College Bookstore may or may not be the cheapest option, BUT a book in the hand is worth two in the mail.

When comparison shopping online, READ THE SMALL PRINT! The cheapest book might not be the best book for your needs.

Shipping & handling costs may or may not be included in the quoted price.

There may be a greater time lag than you want if your textbook is mailed from across the country or across the world.

Books from international sources may be international editions, not US editions.

Publishers and booksellers can be glacially slow at fulfillment.

Used books may or may not come with supplemental materials (access to online resources, for example).

E-book and rental prices are higher at the beginning of the semester.