Textbook FAQs

Last updated 6/29/11

Q.  How do I know which books to buy?

A.  We release a list of textbooks for junior high and high school mid-summer.  Books are listed by class names.

Q.  What if I do not know which classes I’m taking?  Can the library tell me my class schedule?

A.  The library does not have your class schedule.  High school schedules should be mailed home mid-July.  If you have questions about which classes you’re taking, please contact the Junior High Office or High School Office.

Q. Where do I purchase my textbooks?
A. Textbooks are available for purchase in our official online bookstore at www.classbook.com/VALCH.asp.   We highly recommend that VCS families use Classbook, as we can guarantee their stock and the accuracy of your order. However, VCS families are free to purchase textbooks from any source they choose.  The Classbook online bookstore usually opens mid-summer (around July) and remains open well into the school year.

Q. When can I sell my books back?
A. On-campus buyback events are held at the end of each school year.  You also have an online buyback option (see below).

Q. I missed the on-campus textbook buy-back events.  What can I do?
A. You may sell your books back online, starting in the early summer.   Please click on the “Sell Books” link at the top of Classbook’s webpage (http://www.classbook.com/VALCH.asp).  Classbook will let you know much you will receive for each book you send in.  All you need to do is print the free shipping label, box your books, and drop it off at the appropriate shipping location.  Online buyback will begin on June 3, 2011.

Q. What can I do if Classbook won’t buy my books back?

A. If Classbook isn’t buying back certain books you wish to sell, you may try to sell them online with other companies.  Amazon.com and Half.com are two popular site which allow you to sell used books.  If you still cannot find anyone to buy your books, recycling them is your best option.

Q. Does the VCS Library sell textbooks?
A. The VCS Library has very limited quantities of textbooks for select classes. If a book is available for purchase in the library, it will be indicated on the textbook list.

Q.  What do the ISBN numbers mean?
A.  Each book is assigned an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).  Most books have two ISBNs: a 10-digit number and a 13-digit number.  These two ISBNs are interchangeable.  You can use either ISBN when searching for a book.  Please be sure to order books using the EXACT ISBN from the book list.  Changing the ISBN by even one number can result in ordering the wrong edition or version of a textbook.  If you order from Classbook, you will automatically be given the correct ISBN. If you order from a vendor other than Classbook, please make sure your book has the exact ISBN you need.

Q. What does it mean if my student’s schedule has a class on it that is not listed on the textbook list?
A. Not all classes require books.  If you do not see your student’s class on the textbook list, you are not required to purchase books for that class.

Q. I ordered my books but never received them. What should I do?
A. If you ordered your books from Classbook, you may contact them at 1-877-477-6217. If you ordered your book from another vendor, you’ll need to call their customer service number.

Q. When should I order my textbooks?
A. Order your textbooks as soon as the online bookstore opens or when you find out your schedule.  The earlier you order, the better!

Q. Where can I find cheaper or used textbooks?
A. Classbook sells used textbooks at 70%-75% off the new book price. You may find lower prices with other online stores, but it is often difficult to ensure that you are ordering the correct edition/version of the book. Only Classbook can guarantee you will receive the correct edition for you class.

Q. Why are there no used books available for a certain class?
A. Certain classes may be using an updated version of the book that has just been published. In those cases, it is the first school year that book is being used so there are no used books circulating on the market.  If you’re looking on Classbook and there are no used versions available, it may also mean that they didn’t receive any of that specific book during the buyback event.  They will sell used versions if they have them in stock.

Q.  I want to know why a certain textbook was chosen for a specific class.
A. Each academic department decides which textbooks will be used in their classes.  If you have questions or concerns about the adoption of a specific textbook, please contact the appropriate High School Department or Junior High Department.

Q.  What if I do not receive my textbooks by the time school starts?
A.  It is extremely important not to wait until the last minute to order your books, especially if you are ordering from a vendor other than Classbook.  Please make sure you order at least 3-4 weeks in advance of the first day of school.  We encourage you to share textbooks with classmates until you receive your order.  The library does not have loaner copies of textbooks to lend to students until their books arrive.  If you have not received your books by the time school starts, the library will make copies of textbooks for students ONLY if you a receipt or other proof-of-purchase that verifies you have purchased the book and are waiting for it to arrive.  Even with a receipt, the library may limit you to 10 pages per day, as we do not have the capacity to make large amounts of copies.  The library reserves the right to refuse copies for any student who cannot show proof-of-purchase.  This is to comply with federal copyright laws.

Q.  Instead of selling my books back to Classbook, I want to sell them directly to another VCS family.  Can you match me with a family?
A.  Unfortunately, we cannot match families with other families who want to sell books.  If you prefer to sell directly to another family, you’ll need to set up your own matches.

Q.  Do you provide financial aid for textbooks?
A.  All financial aid requests must be handled by the Finance Office.  Please read the VCS Financial Aid policies or contact the Finance Office at 513-2598. 

Q.  I have another textbook question that is not answered here.  Who do I contact for more information?
A.  Please contact Lisa Newton at (408) 513-2426 or LNewton@vcs.net