Bookstore refuses to give out ISBN #'s

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 24, 2005

Recently I called my college bookstore to get an idea of how much my books will cost. They gave me the titles of the books but would not give me the ISBN. Also, when I went in to get my psych book they told me it wasn't in yet and it could take up to the first day of class to get it. When I asked for the ISBN, they wouldn't give it to me.
Just how crazy is that? I was just wondering if this is the norm or do all colleges do this?

I am not sure if it is the norm. Quite possible they do not want you going outside the college book store to buy the book.. You know the title and author, so, you can find this at any other bookstore.

Good luck!!

Areinn · Aug 24, 2005

The last time I was in my school's bookstore I overheard the manager telling someone on the other end of the phone that they will not give out the ISBN's over the phone. But they did have a list of all the nursing books that we could copy at orientation. I think they figure that if you have to come into the store that you are more likely to go ahead and just buy the book from them.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2005

you know why dont you? I take the ISBN #'s and go to half.com and buy my books. They may not give you the #'s over the phone, but walk in there with a pen and paper and take them down. They wont stop you and really cant stop you. If that dont work ask your teacher for the #'s ( by e-mail a week or so before the class starts). I run into this all the time when buying my books....

Recently I called my college bookstore to get an idea of how much my books will cost. They gave me the titles of the books but would not give me the ISBN. Also, when I went in to get my psych book they told me it wasn't in yet and it could take up to the first day of class to get it. When I asked for the ISBN, they wouldn't give it to me.
Just how crazy is that? I was just wondering if this is the norm or do all colleges do this?

happydz · Aug 24, 2005

you know why dont you? I take the ISBN #'s and go to half.com and buy my books. They may not give you the #'s over the phone, but walk in there with a pen and paper and take them down. They wont stop you and really cant stop you. If that dont work ask your teacher for the #'s ( by e-mail a week or so before the class starts). I run into this all the time when buying my books....

Exactly, it's just another way they can take our money! Like buying the book back for $7 and then reselling it for $80!!!!!

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2005

If you know the Title, Author, and edition, you should be ok purchasing the book outside the campus' bookstore.

If you want to be even more sure, go to the college bookstore and look at the book's cover. Make sure you buy that one.

If they don't want to let you back where the books are, just ask them to pull the books you need to buy. Look at them, right down ISBN #'s etc, put the books on the counter, and say, "No thanks."

You have a right to purchase your book where you want!

Good luck!!

happydz · Aug 24, 2005

If you know the Title, Author, and edition, you should be ok purchasing the book outside the campus' bookstore.
If you want to be even more sure, go to the college bookstore and look at the book's cover. Make sure you buy that one.
If they don't want to let you back where the books are, just ask them to pull the books you need to buy. Look at them, right down ISBN #'s etc, put the books on the counter, and say, "No thanks."
You have a right to purchase your book where you want!
Good luck!!

That's a great idea! Thanks

beesnest · Aug 24, 2005

I actually googled the term "ISBN" and was able to look it up online when I had the book title and author.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Aug 24, 2005

They attempted to do this at my school, but i pointed out that this was one way i would find out if i got the right book.

SkanauxRN2009 · Aug 24, 2005

you know why dont you? I take the ISBN #'s and go to half.com and buy my books. They may not give you the #'s over the phone, but walk in there with a pen and paper and take them down. They wont stop you and really cant stop you. If that dont work ask your teacher for the #'s ( by e-mail a week or so before the class starts). I run into this all the time when buying my books....

When I was attending the community college, they refused to give out the numbers. Now I am in a University and emailed all of my professors. They gave me all the ISBN #'s and the name of the books. Give that a shot, if you can get their email addresses.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2005

I actually googled the term "ISBN" and was able to look it up online when I had the book title and author.

That's good too, as long as you know the correct edition you're needing. :)

Micci · Aug 24, 2005

Just how crazy is that? I was just wondering if this is the norm or do all colleges do this?

We are able to look our books up online, but the bookstore does not put the ISBN online either.

I usually search the title on Amazon, and that gives me the ISBN #.