I am a seasonal/occasional team member at my campus bookstore. It is actually a really awesome job and I have made a few good friends from working there. Meanwhile, during the craziness of the beginning and ends of semesters, I often get some of the same questions from people. This obviously results in me repeating the same answers. So this is probably what you would hear me say:
1. Where can I find this book?
A big part of my job, and one of the most important parts, is to help students find there textbooks. It probably differs campus to campus and bookstore to bookstore, but all-in-all there is some sort of system used to locate each books. Our books are stocked alphabetically by class name. For instance, it goes accounting, anthropology, art, etc.
2. Can I rent this textbook?
I am not sure how many colleges have the system that we do, however ours uses shelf tags to help find the book. It makes it easier so students know that it is the right book they need for class and they are able to see the cost of what a New and Used textbook would be. The other benefit: it tells you what the differences would be if you were to rent of buy.
3. Are there any more used?
I know buying new is not the most affordable and exciting idea. But unfortunately sometimes we do sell out of all our used copies, and we are left with only new copies. And sadly enough, there is nothing more I can do about it.
4. How much does it cost?
I know it can be confusing to find how much it costs; but it's right there on the shelf tag. Believe me I find it expensive too, but I cannot make it any cheaper.
5. Can I use my financial aid?
Yes. Yes you can. How much financial aid you have available to use varies. However, you are indeed free to use it for textbooks and school supplies.
6. Are there any other copies in the back?
Sadly, no there are none that I am allowed to sell you. If we do not have them on the shelves or in overstock, it means we are temporarily out of stock. However, we will most certainly be getting more in as soon as possible. Can I interest you in filling out a special order form? We'll call you when it comes in!
7. Will you be getting any more used copies?
There is a more than likely chance that we will not be getting any more used copies. Most of the books we order in bulk after we already ran out are typically new. Sorry.
These are just seven common questions that I get asked at my job. Though I feel like the world's biggest bad guy sometimes, I have to be honest. But all in all I really do love my job!
