Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to buy textbooks?
Texts start to arrive in the store about 4 weeks before the term starts so if you want to avoid the line ups and know what courses you are taking, you can beat the crowds and shop early. During the first week of school, the lineups to both get into the store and to pay for your purchases can be very long with waits of up to 30 minutes or more for each line up. In general, we orders enough copies of each required text so that you do not have to run down after each class to make sure that you get a copy. In some cases, the publishers will have not shipped the full order, but most back orders are filled as quickly as possible and your instructors will be notified when late shipments arrive at the Campus Shop. Xeroxed courseware is available on a next business day basis once the initial stock has been depleted after the start of term.
How do I find out which textbooks I will need for my courses?
Once you have your timetable, you will be able to look up each course in the online store. This will give you the textbooks you will require for each course. Don't forget to look for any notes that may be included regarding other items you may need such as specific calculators, kits, safety glasses or lab coats.
How much are my textbooks going to cost me?
Textbooks are expensive. You can expect to spend between $600 and $1000 on your first year textbooks and the majority of this will be in the first term. These books have been selected by your professors and instructors as being the most appropriate titles available for your course of study.
Why are textbooks so expensive?
Unlike general interest books, textbooks are produced in small quantities and take many years for the author(s) to prepare. In addition, they are usually printed on higher quality paper and often have coloured pictures, graphs or other materials included. The Publishers set the price of textbooks and the price charged at the Campus Shop is that set by the Publishers.
Can I use an old edition of a textbook?
Your Instructor is the best person to ask about using an old edition. Textbooks are usually updated every 3 - 4 years. Sometimes the update is a complete rewrite of the material in the book and sometimes it is just to correct errors and update some information. A key to remember is that often the updates contain totally different questions and exercises. If you try using an old edition, you may not have the same material for homework or testing as will be reviewed by the professor or instructor.
Do I need every book on the list?
As mentioned above, your instructors select the textbooks for your course based on what is available and what is best suited for your course of study. Not all items, however, may be required, but may only be suggested as a study aid. The best thing to do is to speak directly with your instructor prior to buying the book at the Campus Shop. Note that the textbooks listed in the online store will show if they are REQUIRED or RECOMMENDED.
Does the Campus Shop buy back my used textbooks?
We don’t buy any used textbooks
Can I return books, which I haven't used?
We will take back any texts, which have not been used, which are not marked, and which are in their original wrappers based on our Refund Policy. Unfortunately, the publishers give us a limited time in which to return unsold books, and insist that they are in mint condition, so while we would like to take as many back as possible, sometimes we have to say no to a return if there is a minor mark, bent corner, mark on the covers or the deadline has passed.
Does the Campus Shop carry other supplies that I will need?
We carry a large selection of stationery and other supplies required for class. In addition to regular school supplies, we also carry calculators, lab coats, safety glasses, ear buds, batteries, etc.
What else does the Campus Shop carry?
The Campus Shop is your General Store on Campus. In addition to textbooks and school supplies, we also carry a large variety of Lambton College crested clothing and backpacks. You will also find, general giftware, greeting cards, bus tickets(sheets of 20) and snack foods. Our selection changes often, so stop by regularly to see what is new.