Is it illegal for a campus bookstore to deny ISBN numbers?

Question

Is it illegal for a campus bookstore to deny ISBN numbers to students for their textbooks? The campus bookstore at the small campus I attend refuses ISBN numbers or any information (Author, Title, Edition) of any textbooks so that students have no choice but to buy from their bookstore. The princes are OUTRAGEOUS for these books, I have no financial aid, and can get them online much cheaper with the ISBN numbers. I have tried in previous semesters to wait until classes began before purchasing the books so I could get the ISBN numbers from other students, however I was penalized for not having my books, not doing my homework, and therefore, still being in a bad situation. There must be some law against this sort of monopoly.

Answer 1

you may try emailing your professors before classes even start and ask for information about what books you will know.  In every class I have ever taken, the information was in the syllabus and the teachers had no problem emailing me the syllabus early.

As far as being illegal, I don't think so.  I am not sure what you mean by they refuse to give information about the books.  But since I am guessing they are a private retailer they aren't required to give you information.  Technically they are not a monopoly because you are free to buy your books elsewhere even if it isnt practical.

Another thing you can do is try to either work for the bookstore or make friends with someone who works there and maybe ask them for help.  I worked at the bookstore on my campus and it was an easy job.  Also the people who work there are probably just poor retail workers, they are not getting a higher pay because of the cost of textbooks.  Please do not cream at or blame them.  If you go in before classes and be nice and ask nicely, chances are one of them will eb helpful

Answer 2

I don't know that it's illegal but it sure is low and disgusting and outrageous.

Go back to the department and then to the professor if you can and get the information. You might also try going to the administration or the judiciary (the school's attorneys).

Then contact the Attorney General (in the state where this is happening) Office of Consumer Affairs. You will get forms to fill out to complain and then the AG's office will contact the university. (The phone number is in the blue pages in the center of the phone book under "state listings.")

In the meantime, contact the school's paper and if there is a local city paper, contact them. You might also call the news channels (t.v.) and speak with the Consumer Affairs reporter.

Textbook prices have risen nearly 300 percent in the last six years. Students must have the right to pursue alternative sources of textbooks.

Answer 3

My last few semesters, the bookstore at my college did the same thing!  They started waiting until about one week before classes began to put the books out, and it was then that I would go up there and order my books online like a mad woman, hoping I'd get them in time!