2-23-09

This afternoon I thought I'd take the time to let you all in on a little secret. Since last week was pre-registration at my school, I've been forced to think about the following question. How on earth am I going to pay for my textbooks?

Textbooks are expensive and rather inconvenient to purchase, especially if you are using Northwestern's bookstore as your textbook source. Along with being plain aggrevating, the campus bookstore is way overpriced, and can be quickly beat out online. BigWords is a search engine for finding textbooks (or anything for that matter). All you do is simply type in the desired book's ISBN number, and the search bot brings up all matching pages from across the internet. Generally the prices are way below retail pricing, wonderful! Not only do we save our money, if we purchase used books we are recycling and thus using less energy (and fewer trees) because we aren't buying new! Even if you aren't looking to buy used they usually have a large selection of new books.

Another idea for finding textbooks saves even more energy, and is so eco friendly I feel I must mention it. And while I am not one who tends to lean towards the most eco friendly ways, I am so excited about this idea I must share it with you. Northwestern's Assistant Dean of Business and Information Technology, Dr. Mathis, e-mailed the idea of purchasing eBooks as an alternative to paper textbooks.

eBook:

"An electronic book which saves paper and can be used on electronic devises such as a computer, iPod, or certain cell phones and compatable mp3 players."

Have a fantastic week, and enjoy all your academic, athletic, or work related activities within your roster!

~E~