Textbooks costs can be an unexpected expense when you get to college. Thankfully your instructors and COS are doing a lot to try to lower these costs. Some instructors use free online books, there are financial assistance programs, and Library options. Read on to learn more…
Every semester, the COS Bookstore posts a list of the known textbooks for each class on the Bookstore web page. Note that some classes may have additional supply costs, such as art supplies, safety equipment, or tools.
Some classes are considered "Zero Textbook Cost" (ZTC), which means they have no textbook or supply costs. You can find a list of all the ZTC classes each semester on the Bookstore web page and here.
More about ZTC classes is below.
Before you buy, consider whether you need the textbook in paper. Many classes now use free online textbooks or free library ebooks as their textbook (these classes are listed on the ZTC Class List each semester). If reading online works for you, you will be good to go!
Many students prefer paper copies, however. If that's you, the next question is: Do you want to own it? If the class is for your major or if you learn best by highlighting and making notes in your book, you may want to buy a copy. If you don’t want to own it, you might be able to borrow the book from the Library. Suggestions for lowering purchasing costs and info about library borrowing are in the sections below.
Financial Assistance
There are a few programs on campus that offer book vouchers, which are like a gift certificate to the COS Bookstore. Check with each program to see if you are eligible for a voucher:
Where to Buy
The COS Bookstore is not trying to make a major profit on textbooks, so their prices are usually competitive. Plus, the Bookstore's friendly staff will make sure you get the right book for your class.
If you want to buy elsewhere, some popular online booksellers are:
Where to Rent
Renting a textbook can save money but you do need to return the book at the end of the rental period or face steep fines. Be sure to read your rental agreement carefully! Some places to look for rentals include:
Disclaimer
This web page provides links to third-party websites for informational or convenience purposes only. The inclusion of these links does not imply any endorsement, approval, or recommendation by COS.
The Library has a large collection of textbooks that can be checked out for free for the entire semester. These textbooks are library books and need to be returned at the end of the semester in good condition so that future students can use them. We recommend contacting us to find out if we have your book in stock or if we can get it.
The Library can send books to Yreka Campus for pickup and offers free mailing services to students who are out of the area.
The Library also has textbooks for use in the Library. This is a smaller collection, so ask if we have the book you need. These copies cannot be checked out and taken home but they are a great option if:
Many ÐÓ°É classes have zero textbook costs! That means that either:
Zero textbook cost (ZTC) classes are compiled into the ZTC Class List each semester. This list includes links to online books.
Most of these free options use an online book. If you prefer a print copy of your textbook, you can try to purchase them from the COS Bookstore or ask the Library for a semester checkout copy.
If your ZTC option is a library ebook, be aware that library ebooks have some quirks. Please watch our video (4:01 min).
The following videos may also be helpful:
ÐÓ°É Library
800 College Avenue
Weed, CA 96094
Email: library@siskiyous.edu
Text/Phone: (530) 938-5331
Fax: (530) 938-5226
Zoom: By appointment
