How to Order Textbooks

Follow these steps to help place your online textbook order.

There are many choices to consider when selecting textbooks for your course(s). The information below can help you understand how the RCTC Bookstore fulfills orders and categorizes textbooks chosen for courses by instructors. The instructor submits their textbook order to the Bookstore indicating, author, title, edition, package contents, and any other supplements. This is solely the instructor’s decision. 

The books to fill your order come from the same inventory as inside the Bookstore. Online orders are filled during Bookstore business hours only.  Orders are generally processed within 3-5 business days.  Books that are ready for pick-up NEED to be picked up within 2 weeks of being processed. Your account will NOT be refunded if you fail to pick up your online order and a $10.00 restocking fee could be applied.

New & Used Textbooks

Availability of used books is on a first come, first served basis and is not guaranteed. Prices and availability of textbooks are subject to change at any time and could affect the total billed to your account.

Textbooks listed with $0.00 for the price are not free. This simply means we do not have pricing information for the textbook at the time of your order.

During checkout, you select the textbook condition preferences for each of your textbooks. Every effort is made to fill orders as requested, but we reserve the right to make substitutions if your books are not available in the requested condition. This means if you select "used" and a used book is not available, a new book will automatically be substituted, and vice versa. The dollar amount of your order WILL change if substitutions are made. All prices are subject to change without notice. Textbooks and the prices are subject to change. ISBN numbers listed may not be just the textbook, it may be a bundle or a packaged item. Use caution when purchasing those books from other sources.

Used -- We will look for used textbooks first to fill your order. If there are no used textbooks in stock at the time your order is being filled, we will automatically substitute a new textbook.

Definition of Terms Used on Our Website

Required -- The textbook is required for your class.

Choose ONE option ONLY-- The textbook required for the course is available in other formats -- usually a print textbook and access code bundled together or an access code only.  It could also be a loose leaf book or a bound version of the book. You have the option to choose the format that best suits your needs. Only ONE book is required so you only need to order ONE of the formats.  If you order all of the options, we will send you all of the options.  If you are unsure about which option to choose, please contact your instructor for assistance. 

Recommended -- The textbook is not required but is recommended for the course. You may wish to attend class first or consult the instructor directly to determine if the textbook would be beneficial to you. Optional textbooks are not covered under the PSEO program.

Optional -- The textbook is not required but is an additional resource. You may wish to attend class first or consult your instructor directly to determine if the textbook would be beneficial to you. Optional textbooks are not covered under the PSEO program.

Digital Ebook -- This option is the Ebook, an electronic version of the textbook. You will receive an email with instructions on how to access this item. Nothing will be physically mailed to you. *Once the ebooks have been activated they are no longer eligible for a refund. We have partnered with RedShelf and VitalSource for the Digital Ebooks. You can contact VitalSource for technical support at 1-855-200-4146 or [email protected]. Redshelf questions can be answered through their website. 

Inclusive Access-- Inclusive access means you will have instant access to your textbook materials online through D2L on the first day of the course. You will have an automatic charge added to your student account during the second week of the term, so no additional purchase is required. You will have the option to “opt-out” but this must be done during the first five days of the term, and you will lose access to your course if you choose to opt-out of it.

Wait go to Class --The instructor may give you further instructions regarding the textbooks for this class. Students that are PSEO or paying with Financial Aid or using a Third Party we recommend you purchase this item.

Continued Text -- The textbook was used in a previous class. Purchase will not be necessary if you took the previous class and still have your textbook.

During the checkout process, you will be asked how you would like the orders for each of your courses filled if the instructor changes the textbook(s) and course material(s) for a class while your online order is in progress with us.

Do Not Add to Order -- No changes will be made to your order, even if the instructor changes the textbook(s)/course material(s).

Continued Text  Add All Materials All materials, including required, recommended, and optional materials, will be added to your order if your instructor makes any changes to the textbooks/course materials assigned to a course.

Add Only Required -- We will only add to or change your order if the instructor makes changes for the required materials.