> What
is the University Bookstore? top
At college you buy your textbooks. All textbooks
and most supplies required for class are available
at the University Bookstore. These are the things you're
supposed to get. We also have lots of other stuff:
UMaine clothing, gift items, food, school and art supplies,
greeting cards, and regular books and magazines.
> When
should I get my required textbooks and supplies? top
The
best time is before classes start. It's far less crowded
before classes start and our staff is better able to assist
you. We are usually better stocked and have more used textbooks.
We suggest the following: use our textbook reservation for the fall semester,
use our webpage, or come to the Bookstore after you have
moved in to your residence hall. On the first day of class
we may be the busiest store north of Boston!
> How
much should I budget for textbooks? top
Textbooks
are expensive no matter where you go to college. Each
student will have unique needs making an exact estimate
difficult. In general, an average first year student will
need around $500 per semester. This will vary considerably
depending on what books your professor has selected. To
help out our students, our markup is less than the average
bookstore.
> What
are used books? top
The
hottest thing we sell! Used textbooks are priced
35% less than a new book. They go fast, so shop
early! While they have been "previously owned,"
we will not intentionally sell a damaged book.
Our preferred source is from repurchasing needed books
back from students, which we call BUYBACK.
> What
is Buyback? top
Faculty
select what textbooks are required, not the Bookstore.
If we have received a request for a title, we will buy back
the book at up to 1/2 the price of the new book, up to
the number that we need. If we haven't received a request, we
pay the national market price, which is what used
book companies will give us.
> Does
the Bookstore make a profit? top
Yes.
We are a University-owned operation which is funded
from our sales. A modest profit is added for either
bookstore improvements or other campus projects
such as a new Union, parking lots, and scholarships.
The profit is spent on the University of Maine.
> Can
I get a refund? top
Yes.
A receipt is always required so the Bookstore does not become
a clearinghouse for stolen books. The refund period varies
by product and time of year. For the beginning of classes
in fall and spring (Rush), it is seven days. The
Rush Refund deadline will be on your receipt.
