Used Textbooks

Used textbooks can be great alternatives for college students looking to save a little (or quite a lot) of money on books for class. The used textbook market thrives on the fact that color illustrations, thick paper stock and hardbound covers have made new textbooks more expensive than they were even 10 years ago. Like new books, used books can also be sold back for a return on the original purchase price in many cases.

In addition to college bookstores, many college students sell books amongst each other, offering both parties a monetary benefit. Since college bookstores are known for offering only pennies on the dollar for used textbooks, it makes sense to look for more cost-effective options. This is especially true for math and science majors, who often have to shell out hundreds of dollars for thick textbooks and extra materials.

Rare and Old Textbooks as Collector's Items
Oddly enough, some used textbooks make excellent collector's items. As well, several seemingly mundane collectibles are in high demand. Early first edition encyclopedias from the years 1768 through 1771 are sought after quite diligently. As well, the eleventh edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica from 1911 is in steady demand among collectors all over the world.

Collectors also covet illustrated textbooks used in American schools from before 1850. As a rule, school primers are not that valued in general, no matter their age. The only exceptions to that rule are the first six McGuffey Readers that were published between the years of 1836 and 1856 in the US.