What has happened to the prices of textbooks?

I am registered this fall to take courses at our local community college and I have been in classes off and on over the last three years. I went to purchase my textbooks for my classess this fall. I was outraged to see that the prices have gone up as much as they have, especially since Summer '06. One book costs $180. That's Outrageous!!! Can anyone tell my why they have gone up so much? Also, is there a cheaper route to go with buying textbooks?What has happened to the prices of textbooks?
try www.half.com for used books.



Watch out for adds with the letters "ie", this means its an international edition which is typically a paperback black and white version. The content is the same but the book is not as good of quality.



also be sure to buy from someone with a feedback rating in the high 90% range, (97% positive or better)



You will need an ebay account to buy from Half.com
I would buy used at GreenTextbooks.com - Saving the Planet One Textbook at a Time

GreenTextbooks.com is your online leader for finding used textbooks, DVDs, CDs.

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What has happened to the prices of textbooks?
I used to get them much cheaper on ebay or half.com. Often the previous edition will work ok in a pinch.What has happened to the prices of textbooks?
Buy used from places like amazon.com and half.com

Also look into international editions of some books. These can save you big $$. For example the physics book new for this semester would cost around $160 and used was around $120. With the international edition it was $45. The print is the same and the pictures are the same. Mostly it is paperback and has International Student Edition on the front. Have used one for Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry and Now with a physics course. Works great.
I'm not sure WHY they can charge so much for textbooks, but the best route to go would be to buy used books. Try going to http://www.bigwords.com



Bigwords is a great site that compares the price of books in several stores and give you the best price, including shipping. You can even change options if you need the book faster, would like electronic copies, or international versions. I used Bigwords this semester and last and have saved over $1000!
They charge that much because students are willing to pay that much. It is the convenient option for the students. If the students shopped around they would find much better prices (less convenient option). I buy the international editions of the textbooks at abebooks.com. The price is about 60% cheaper.