Hundreds of students pack into the Fresno City College bookstore to purchase their textbooks, scantrons, pens and paper, or any other important items needed for their classes. Whatever you’re looking for the bookstore has it. Yet, for the incoming freshman there is a lot to learn about the bookstore.
When you look at your list of books you have to buy for the semester, do you every wonder why this book? And who selects the textbooks that are used in classes?
Textbooks are selected by the instructors. They reserve the right to pick and eliminate the textbook used in the classroom.
According to the FCC bookstore pamphlet, the quantity of books ordered is ordered is determined by the instructor or divisional chairperson, based on an estimation of enrollment in the class . The bookstore then compares sales, enrollment history, inventory already on hand and hand and other factors and then determines an order figure.
You go into the bookstore to purchase a book. But that textbook you need has sold out or simply not available for purchase. Why do such shortages occur?
The bookstore may sell out or not have a particular textbook for various reasons: a large enrollment than expected; last-minute opening of additional course sections; last-minute change in the instructor or course, resulting in the late arrival of the new selection. An instructor may have chosen a title being stocked for another course without submitting a requisition.
The pamphlet goes on to state, clerical error in the bookstore’s ordering process; the title could be temporarily out-of-stock at the publisher’s warehouse and is not available to the bookstore. As soon as the shortage is discovered, the bookstore notifies the instructor or divisional chairperson and reorders the text if the instructor feels it is necessary.
Can a pre-ordered textbook take up to three weeks to arrive?
Yes, according to the pamphlet I read. The reason is, because college bookstores throughout the country are ordering at the same time, and publishers fall behind in shipping. Most major publishers are based on the East coast, which lengthens the shipping to Fresno City College.
Generally, publishers sell textbooks at a net price to the bookstore. The bookstore then computes a 25% margin on the retail price. Shipping and handling costs for textbooks are expense absorbed in the mark-up of the book. This is how textbook prices are determined.
So, why are the textbook prices so high? Textbooks have a limited sales potential to a specialized group. They are printed in smaller quantities, which makes the unit cost higher then a mass market paperback that can be mass produced for high volume of selling.
According to Donna Rivera, bookstore manager, at the end of the semester, textbooks are bought back. Students receive 50% of the money that was paid for that textbook, According to Rivera. But according to several students less money is given back. This will be further investigated.
Across the street from FCC, there’s TJ textbook store. They buy back textbooks; you also receive 50% back. According to a TJ textbook store worker.
Refunds and/ or exchange must be done within the first two weeks of the semester in which it is purchased. You must have your original cash register receipt.
“The Fresno City college bookstore is a pretty good place. I think it needs to be bigger. I haven’t had any problems with the bookstore.” Said Macy Chang, sophomore.
According to Rivera, when students enter the bookstore same school rules apply. In the bookstore No bags are allowed by books, and Backpacks/bags must be closed while in the bookstore. Thou, these rules may seem strict, according to Rivera these rules are for protection.
“I think the bookstore is definitely too small. During the first two weeks of school, the store gets really full. There should be more cashiers. And they should be less strict on students.” Said Chee Yang, Junior.
There are no plans to expand the bookstore, said Rivera.
If your funds are limited there are ways to save money on textbooks. You can buy used textbooks whenever available. Check bulletin boards for “Books for Sale.” Ask your instructor or friends if they know of former student willing to sell their books. Or you can go on to eBay to purchase you textbooks; chances are you might get them at a much more reasonable price.
Whatever you’re in need of, whether it’s a textbook or a certain Scranton, the staff of the Fresno City College bookstore can help students find all they need.