NEW & USED TEXTBOOKSWhat is an ISBN?![]()
Save money (and time) with multi-ISBN search.List up to 25 ISBNs in our multi-ISBN search box—the ISBNs for all the textbooks you need. We'll take your ISBNs, find the books that best match your request, and bundle them together according to the absolute best price for each title. Searching multiple ISBNs at one time is the fastest way to find what you need and be offered the lowest price, without having to do a title-by-title price evaluation.
What is an international edition?An international edition is a version of a book that has been published for distribution outside the U.S. Most international editions have different ISBNs than the U.S. edition. They often have different covers, usually contain the same content, and sometimes are printed on lower-quality paper. Alibris allows the sale of international editions, except for those that are not authorized by the publisher or author for importation into, or sale in, the U.S. and those that may not otherwise lawfully be imported into, or sold in, the U.S., Canada, or Australia. more on international editions TEXTBOOKS FOR ALL NEEDSCollege Textbooks
TEXTBOOK ANSWERSWhy buy used textbooks?Rising tuition and textbook prices are wreaking havoc on families trying to pay for college, private school, or homeschooling. Used textbooks can save you a significant amount of money. The Alibris network of independent sellers offers you a wide variety of books with detailed information as to the condition so you can easily determine which price is best for you. Buying used books is good for the environment and helps support the independent booksellers who are an important part of the used-book supply chain. How can you save money on textbooks and get the best quality and price?Buy used: Used textbooks, available at college bookstores and online, such as at Alibris, can reduce textbook costs without sacrificing quality. When buying online, look for details about the condition and edition to get the best book at the best price, and pay attention to shipping discount offers. Buy online and buy early: Books may be coming from an individual seller (such as through the Alibris marketplace), so order early to get low-priced used textbooks on time. See our Textbook Tips for more on buying online. Why are textbooks so expensive?According to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (US PIRG), students pay about $900 per year for college textbooks (about 20% of tuition at an average university), and these high prices apply to K–12 textbooks as well. Government studies attribute rapid price increases to a market driven by supply rather than demand: Professors select textbooks from publishers, bookstores order them, and students must pay. Students can't control or influence the price, format, or quality of the product, and are subject to whatever price is set by the textbook publishing companies. |