Online Textbook Ordering FAQ
No books in the Bookstore?! That’s right.
Beginning with the summer 2024 term, Inver Hills Community College textbooks will be sold online only.
All orders will be shipped to students.
Where have all the textbooks gone?
Inver Hills textbooks will be housed at the Minnesota Textbook Center, a warehouse facility located on the campus of Minneapolis College. The center processes online textbook orders for a number of colleges across the Minnesota State system.
Will we still call it the Bookstore if there are no books in it?
Nope! The Bookstore will become the “Inver Hills Campus Store” prior to fall term.
Why are textbooks only available online now?
By using a shared service format for textbook sales, Inver Hills can continue to aggressively attack textbook affordability issues, while maintaining a sustainable campus store. This also eliminates the cost of temporary staffing that we bring in at the start of each term to assist with in-store sales and online order pick-up.
Where can I order my textbooks?
Students can order their books and most course materials on the Inver Hills Campus Store website, ihccbookstore.com. Procedures for online ordering will not change from current methods. Students still are required to create an account separate from their school account to place orders. Instructional videos are available online, as are pamphlets in the campus store.
Can I still use my voucher/financial aid/PSEO/third party funds online?
Yes! Current procedures will remain the same. At the checkout page you have the option to pay with “Financial Aid/PSEO/Third Party” or credit card. Financial aid charging deadlines will not change.
Will I have to pay for shipping?
Free UPS shipping is offered on all course material orders.
Shipping of merchandise, coursepacks, and some kits and required supplies will require payment for delivery. These items will still be available for purchase in the campus store.
What if I don’t have a permanent address for shipping?
Contact us at [email protected] or contact the Textbook Center at [email protected] and we will work with you.
How long until my order is received?
Orders are generally ready to be shipped within 1-2 business days. Shipping within the metro area is typically one business day via UPS. We encourage students to order early.
What if I need a refund for a book that I purchased?
Returns can be shipped to the Textbook Center prior to the term’s refund deadline at the student’s cost and a refund will be issued. Return instructions will be included with every order. All textbooks must be in original condition and accompanied by a receipt when returned.
How will the campus store be assisting students during this transition?
There will be computer stations set up in the store where employees can assist students in the textbook ordering process.
When is the anticipated launch date?
Summer term of 2024. Summer term materials will go on sale on Monday, May 6.
Would textbook buybacks change?
Textbook buybacks will still be at the campus store at the end of fall and spring terms, as it is currently.
How will PSEO book returns change?
PSEO materials will still be returned to the campus store at the end of each term.
How will rental returns change?
Rented materials will still be returned to the campus store at the end of each term.
How will accessibility services be impacted?
The first point of contact will still be the campus Director of Educational Access & Disability Resources. Campus store staff will work with the department as needed.
How will students be supported during this change?
There will be more resources available to assist students. Students can either reach out to campus store staff or directly to the Textbook Center staff. The campus store will set up kiosks to assist students who have difficulties in placing their orders. The campus store also has tutorial videos on its website and how-to pamphlets available in the store to assist customers.
Will there be changes to courses that only use digital content?
There will be no changes to current procedures.
Direct digital materials (materials embedded in D2L and charged as a course fee) will still be available the first day of classes. Your instructor is the first source for a solution should questions arise.
eBooks purchased on the campus store website can be accessed immediately after purchase. Campus store and Textbook Center staff can assist when questions arise.
The Textbook Center will also fill orders for courses requiring only a physical access code.
What items will still be carried in the campus store?
The campus store will still carry all of the non-textbook items that are currently offered: food, snacks, and beverages; health products; school supplies; electronics; Inver Hills clothing; Inver Hills insignia gifts.
The campus store will still stock all non-textbook items required for your courses, including: coursepacks; lab kits; lab supplies; calculators; specific notebooks; other items an instructor requests.
How did the college reach this decision?
We did not make this decision without a great deal of forethought. We have been discussing this plan throughout the course of the academic year. We began conversations in our Auxiliary Services Committee meetings in September. We then expanded to discussions with different stakeholder groups, including Student Senate conferrals at each campus. We met with Student Affairs, Faculty, and other groups directly involved before reaching our decision. We also conducted research with other campuses who have already moved to this model, including St. Paul College, Minneapolis College, and Northland. All three campuses have been using the same distribution model and warehouse that we will be using, and all of the campuses reported positive feedback from students, faculty, and staff.
