TEXTBOOK FAQ

We understand that W&L students and parents have many questions about textbooks and course materials. If you have additional concerns you can contact the book department by emailing: [email protected] or calling (540) 458–8207.

IF YOU ARE ENROLLED IN A CLASS AND IT DOES NOT APPEAR ON OUR SITE, WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A TEXTBOOK ORDER FOR THAT CLASS. INFORMATION FOR THE CLASS WILL APPEAR AS SOON AS WE RECEIVE THE TEXTBOOK ORDER FROM THE DEPARTMENT.

CAN I USE MY UNIVERSITY CARD TO PAY FOR MY BOOKS?

You may use your swipe card, credit card, or cash to pay for textbooks.

WHAT’S YOUR TEXTBOOK RETURN POLICY?

• Books may only be returned for the current term.

• Textbooks and course materials may only be returned if you dropped the course.

• New books must be in unmarked and in new condition.

• Shrink-wrapped books must remain wrapped. Once opened, they are non-returnable.

• Returns MUST be accompanied by student ID# and receipt.

• Opened access codes can not be returned.

• Returns are only accepted up to the final day of the first drop/add period of each term (as stated at the time of sale)

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “REQUIRED," “RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL," AND "EITHER/OR" TEXTBOOKS?

• Required: it’s necessary for the course.

• Recommended: the instructor has suggested an item that may be helpful.

• Either/Or: choose one of the available formats (hardback, digital or loose leaf)

WHAT IS AN "ISBN"?

ISBN stands for "International Standard Book Number." This unique identifier of each book edition is printed on the copyright page as well as back cover near the bar code. Checking the ISBN guarantees you’ve got the right book.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “NEW” AND “USED” COPIES OF A TEXTBOOK?

Used copies are the same edition as the new, but previously purchased by another student and may have some notes or highlighting.

WHAT ARE “BOOK RENTALS”?

Some titles are available on a rental basis—ideal for students who want to save some money and don’t want to keep the book after the class is complete.

At the end of the term, the student is responsible for returning the book to the store in good condition. (You can write in it or highlight reasonably but need to protect it from excessive wear or water staining). If the book is not returned in acceptable condition, or not returned at all, the student will be charged the difference between the purchase price and the rental price.

WHAT IS THE RENTAL AGREEMENT?

• You   agree to return the books in clean, lightly marked and fully resalable condition (limited writing, highlighting, etc.) on or before the rental due date. Note that water damage, binding damage, and damage to the covers will invalidate the rental return.  

• You agree to allow the W&L University Store to charge my student account for the amount of a new replacement textbook if the rental book is not returned by the due date, or damaged and/or deemed unsalable by the W&L University Store Staff.

• Any rental contract entered into after the drop/add period is non-refundable.

WHAT IS THE PUBLISHER RENTAL AGREEMENT?

This book is being rented directly from the publisher and is not available to be purchased. Unlike our typical rentals, this book carries a significant penalty fee* if you fail to return it by the due date. By renting this book, you are agreeing to the textbook rental policies as follows:

• You agree to return the books in clean, lightly marked, and fully resalable condition (limited writing, highlighting, or notes etc.), on or before the rental due date.  Note that water damage, binding damage, or significant damage to the cover(s) will invalidate your rental.

• You agree to allow the University Store to charge your student account a penalty fee* if the rental book is not returned by the due date, or if upon return it is deemed damaged or unusable by the store staff.

*penalty fees are set by the Publishers and are subject to change at any time.

WHAT IF I FORGET TO RETURN MY RENTAL BY ITS DUE DATE?

If you don't return your books by your return date you will be charged the difference between the rental price and the purchase price, and the book is yours to keep.

WHY SHOULD I BUY FROM THE UNIVERSITY STORE?

The University Store offers a correct textbook guarantee and convenient on-campus pick-up locations. With everything you need in one place, shopping the campus store means less time spent searching. Bottom line: we guarantee that you have the right course materials that were adopted by your professor.