So you just registered for classes and you need to buy textbooks, but you don’t know how. As a former bookstore employee, let me guide you through the process.

Print out your detailed schedule

The first thing you need to do is print your schedule. Log into your Weber Portal, click on the student services tab, then click view my detailed schedule under the Registration heading. Print off what’s called the detailed schedule. This has all the info for your course, so hold onto it.

Going to the Bookstore

Now you have some options, you can either go to the WSU Bookstore in Ogden (see directions below), the WSU Davis Campus Bookstore (2nd floor) in Layton, or you can shop online. My advice is to go as soon as you have your schedule. I’ll say it one more time for effect, GO AS SOON AS YOU HAVE YOUR SCHEDULE. This way you can avoid the crowds and you’re more likely to get used copies of the books you’ll need. If you wait for school to start, be prepared for a jungle of students all ­massed together foraging for books.

IF YOU SHOP ONLINE:   The online searching method is really simple, you can search by department, course number, and section number. When you checkout, you can either choose the “Pick Up” shipping method (you pick the books up at the Ogden, Davis or West Center) or you can just have them mailed to your house.  The online shop at the bookstore is a good way to see what your book looks like, so it will make it easier to find if you go in person.

Translating your schedule and locating textbooks

Ok so your schedule will look something like this. I’ve highlighted  the department and course number in yellow. The number in green is your CRN (course reference number), which is completely unique to your class. So for this example we’re looking for ENGL 3500, CRN#21701.  First go a few aisles in and look for signs above the book isles that say ENGL, then look for the course number 3500. You’re getting warmer, but wait, there’s more. Check the CRN. Sometimes professors teaching the same course will use different textbooks.  So check the CRN to make sure you have the right book for your exact class. Keep in mind there may be more than one book listed on the tag for your class.

Tips from a bookstore insider

•  Use the new WSU online price comparison website to get good pricing on textbooks. On their website you can see the WSU bookstore’s prices right alongside those of Amazon, Half.com and other textbook retailers. Keep in mind shipping costs and added time as you plan for the first day of school. So it may be worth the peace of mind to just get your books at the WSU bookstore.

• Make sure to keep your receipts. If the professor makes any changes for textbook requirements (which they do!) or if you drop a class, you can still get your money back as long as you return your books unopened and with your receipt before 4:30pm on the first Friday of the semester.

• Remember you can always resell your books to WSU. However, for the best prices bring your books in during the scheduled Finals Buyback (the Wednesday of “Dead Week” through Finals week).

Follow the arrow on the right to enter the bookstore on 2nd floor through the Union building . Or if you want to enter on the 1st floor take the path on the left and it will lead you the the main entrance of the bookstore.

If you took the route on the left you will be looking for this entrance (it will be on your right after about a minute of walking)

If you chose to enter on the 2nd floor, take a left right here! Get it?

Note: There are 2 floors to the WSU bookstore. The fun stuff; WSU apparel and foam wildcat paws are on the 2nd floor and the essentials; textbooks, computers, & school supplies are on the lower level. So look for the staircase in the back to get to the textbook department.

The textbooks are organized alphabetically by the departments starting with Art textbooks (who knew you needed textbooks for art!?) and ending with Zoology textbooks. So if you know your alphabet you'll be golden.

 

The employees don't wear name tags and aprons for nothing, so don't hesitate to ask them a question.

And just a side note, your class schedule and the shelf tag at the bookstore will not actually be highlighted. So don’t be shocked when you don’t see a cute colored schedule and shelf tag

If you can't find your book on the shelf tag, come to the information desk and an employee can look up the status of your textbooks.