College of the Rockies
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College of the Rockies - Bookstore COTR Bookstore Used Books / Buyback
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Used Books / Buyback

Used Books

The Bookstore endeavours to obtain and sell as many used books as possible each semester. Used books are stocked on the shelf with the new book and are identified by a USED sticker on the spine. Used books cost about 75% of the price of a new book. 

exclamation icon Buyer Beware!

As textbooks, editions and materials change on a continuum, we strongly suggest students do not purchase any used materials in advance of having confirmation that the materials will be utilized for your specific course/semester. The Bookstore only carries used materials that have been confirmed for use.

Used Book Buyback

The Bookstore conducts an annual Textbook Buyback during exam week each April; watch for posters that advertise the exact dates and location of the annual Textbook Buyback!

Used books can have hi-lighting, underlining and other such minor alterations, however they must be in whole, good resale condition. Any materials that were packaged with the book (CD’s, study guides, etc) should be brought back as well.

FAQ's

1. How do I know if my book(s) will be bought back?

Bring them to the buyback to see if they are being purchased.  It is difficult to know too far in advance precisely which books are going to be bought back as it is contingent on faculty confirming advance adoptions of their texts – which can happen up to the last minute.  We contract an independent used text buyer for the annual buyback, who also purchases books for other institutions - thus books COTR may not be purchasing may still be bought for another institution.

2. How much money will I get for my books?

Generally, you can expect about 40-50% of the price you paid for the book if we are buying it back; however, it can be less if an access card/code needs to be then be purchased and added to the book in order to resell it.  If a book is not on our COTR purchase list, the used text buyer may make you an offer based on market factors.

3. Do I need the receipt for my books?

No, you don’t need a receipt to sell your books at buyback. 

4. What if I am distance student who wants to sell back my books?

If you are a distance student interested in selling back your books, please email the Bookstore with the list of books you want to sell by TITLE and EDITION.  We will get back to you when we determine if we can buy them or not.