Definitions

I've kept the categories straightforward. If you feel I should add or subtract a category,  or if you have site to add to the TextbookPOWER database, please e-mail me.   

National Text Exchanges:

These sites offer alternative ways to buy, rent or exchange textbooks. Most notable are the sites that allow you to advertise your old textbooks to students on your campus. This method of reselling your books is optimal because you eliminate the bookstore. You, therefore, get more money in return for your textbooks and your buyers pay less than they would at the bookstore. So, both parties save. This section also includes some textbook renting sites and some other new, exciting sites that attempt to help you save through other means. Check out my reviews of each.

School Text Exchanges:

These are school sponsored or affiliated web sites. They're a great tool for any campus if everyone uses them. Some are run and regulated by the Student Government Association. If you're campus has a textbook exchange I haven't listed here, send me an email with the link and I'll add it. Also, If you'd like to start an online text exchange at your campus, here's a link to some open source code that allows you to do just that.

Search Bookstores:

These sites are, essentially, search engines for books.  They search for the best price on the book you're looking for from many web bookstores. Some of the engines are more powerful than others, and search different sites, so it may be good to try a few and compare.

The Biggies:

These sites are the big online booksellers that you're probably familiar with -- Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. However, there are many sites listed that specialize in out of print, rare and used books and sell from many independent booksellers, so often times, the main stores are not the best and cannot offer the lowest prices. Check out my reviews.