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Textbook Alternatives

A guide to finding low-cost textbooks and textbook alternatives

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Borrow Textbooks from MacEwan Library

The library purchases at least 1 copy of most required course textbooks.

Textbooks are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a 2-hour loan from the Library Services Desk located on the 2nd floor of MacEwan University in the John L. Haar Library. 

Visit Find Textbooks for more information. 

Buy Used Copies

Used copies of textbooks can often be bought online. In addition to major online book sellers, try:

Finished with your textbook? Post it on the MacEwan Used Book Exchange, or check out the MacEwan Bookstore Buyback program to see if the Bookstore wants to give you money for your old books!

Before You Buy Used:

  • Ensure the book you are buying is the correct edition. If unsure, ask your instructor.
  • Check to see if the book includes an access code for online content. If your instructor says the code is needed, and your code had been used or is expired, you'll be stuck buying a new code, which can be more costly than buying a new textbook. 

Buy Older Editions

Sometimes you can find older editions of textbooks available for sale online. 

Before Buying an Older Edition: Check with your instructor. The content can occasionally change between editions, and you might be missing out on important content!

Rent your Textbook

The following sites offer rental options for many popular textbooks:

This work is subject to a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International license. For exceptions, see the Library Copyright Statement.