Laura Barron

Memorial University’s Bookstore carries it all: course materials, clothing, giftware and a selection of convenience items.

LuAnne Kelly, manager of the Bookstore on the St. John's campus, explains that course materials can include books, digital materials, lab coats, safety goggles, calculators – anything to help students succeed in their courses.

“The biggest advantage of coming to the Bookstore is that we only carry the books your professor has chosen, so you don’t have to worry about having the wrong edition,” said Ms. Kelly. “You can come here and get that information for all of your courses. You can see all of the options available to you.” 

All course books and digital materials are selected by professors and the prices are set by publishers.

The Bookstore is conveniently located on the second floor of the University Centre, and has a team of helpful staff who are available to answer your questions.

“We want to make sure students are getting the best information and the best start to their studies,” said Ms. Kelly.

When planning your course material purchases, reference these helpful tips from the Bookstore:

Ways to get your books:

• Buy them new from the Bookstore
• Buy them used from the Bookstore
• Rent them from the Bookstore
• Buy used books from friends or other students (just be careful to make sure it’s the correct edition and that you are getting all of the components)

Four-step purchase process:

1. Go to class
2. Get a syllabus from your professor which outlines the course materials you need
3. Make sure you’re comfortable in that course and section and that you aren’t going to switch sections or drop the course
4. Once you’ve followed steps 1-3, invest in your course materials

Avoid buyer’s remorse:

• Digital components: “First-year courses in particular, but also higher level courses, often have digital components associated with a book," said Ms. Kelly. "When buying the pieces separately, be careful to check the prices of both the book and the digital component and make sure you’re not spending more than you need to. It’s often less expensive to buy them in a package.”
• Make sure you know which materials are suggested reading versus required reading for your courses
• If you do purchase your books early, don’t open the package until you go to class. Keep your receipt to ensure it can be refunded.

Once the semester is over:

• New and used books can be sold back to the Bookstore at the end of the term. Look for the kiosk across from the vending machines on the third floor of the University Centre (just around the corner from the Answers office).
• New this year: Guaranteed buy-back program. “The difference with the guaranteed buy-back is that the stickers on the books tell you the minimum amount of money you will get back," said Ms. Kelly. "Our used book wholesaler has guaranteed these prices as a minimum return for students.”

Above all, Ms. Kelly emphasizes that the Bookstore is a resource for students.

“If you’re not sure about something, just ask. Our team is here to help you.”

The Bookstore is carrying some new items this year, including a new Canadian line of backpacks, gear from Under Armour and Adidas, and new hoodies and clothing styles.

“The hoodie is a staple campus item,” said Ms. Kelly. “It’s one way to show school spirit and school pride, and we’re happy to help our students, faculty and staff show their pride in Memorial.”

While there are new items in the Bookstore this year, Ms. Kelly encourages students to request specific items, should they need something else.

“If there’s something we don’t have, let us know and we’ll try to get it in the store for you.”

Visit the Bookstore on the second floor of the University Centre on the St. John's campus or check out their website here.