​Student Su​pplemental Books FAQ

Please note, updated FAQ info from Barnes & Noble College is on its way. Stay tuned for the most up-to-date information!

What are "supplemental" books?
At times, students may need to purchase “supplemental” books or course materials in addition to any required Text Rental books. These additional purchased items often include lab manuals, workbooks, specific topic-course books, etc. We often make the suggestion to attend the first day of class before purchasing supplemental course material, however, you are able to view and/or purchase requested supplemental course book materials via the University Bookstore website.

What are "used" books?

At the beginning of each semester, the University Store Purchase Book department makes great effort to stock and sell used (reduced price) copies of requested supplemental course books when they are available to us. Prices of “used” copies are set at 25 percent off the publisher’s “new book” retail price.

Due to our “used book” distributor agreements, any remaining copies of used books are pulled from the sales floor (and returned to the distributor) at the following times throughout the academic year: 

 

  • Fall semester: Oct. 15th (used copies not typically available after this date) 

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  • Spring semester: March 1st (used copies not typically available after this date)​

 

How does Book Buyback work?

During final exams week each semester, campus and community members have the opportunity to bring in and sell non-Text Rental program books at the University Store. On our campus, this process is called “Book Buyback” week and it involves the University Store Purchase Book department contracting with a reputable, used book wholesaler to buy books that either our campus or another campus will need in future semesters. The books “bought back” during book buyback week are then resold as a discounted, “used” price. The buyback representative utilizes a number of criteria to determine which books are purchased from students during book buyback week. Some of these criteria include:

  • A supplemental book request has been submitted by an academic department for the next semester

  • The book does not belong to our campus Text Rental program

  • The book is in re-sellable condition (no offensive smell/odor, water damage, torn pages, etc.)

Are there any books that are non-returnable?

  • Shrink-wrapped course items that have been opened by the customer

  • $2 bargain books

  • Pre-paid special orders

What if a book I need is out of stock?

If an item is found to be out of stock, the Purchase Book department requests that customers place a pre-paid special order with a Supplemental Book Clerk so that we are able to place an accurate order and can directly notify the customer when the book order arrives to the University Store. In the cases of special orders, orders utilize standard ground shipping and customers are not responsible for paying associated shipping costs.

Can I order my books on the UWSP online store and pick them up at the store?

Books can either be purchased and picked up in store, or ordered online at https://uwsp.bncollege.com/shop/uw-stevens/home.

Do you sell general interest books?

The University Store Purchase book department carries and sells a selection of newly published titles, classics, and special selection books (coloring books, manga, graphic novels). Our choice of carried titles depends on historical purchasing demands, general interests of our customer base, and retail price. If you have an idea or suggestion for a title or series we should carry in the store, please email the Purchase Book Buyer.

Who can I contact with questions about Supplemental Books?
Dale Dickson
Supplemental Book Buyer
Customer Service and Supplemental Books
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