We don’t always have the newest edition
Often, if we carry a copy of your textbook, it is usually an older version of the one you are using in your classes.
You can search for textbooks in the library catalogue – it is best to include one or more of the authors names as well as the title of your textbook as textbook titles can be quite generic.
You can’t keep the textbook for the whole term
CUE’s undergraduate students can borrow Concordia’s books for 6 weeks but if someone places a hold on that book, you will be required to bring it back early.
Additionally, if these books are returned late you can accumulate expensive library fines on your student account.
Textbook Purchasing Options
Download a copy of our FREE guide here.
| Cost | Option | Pros | Cons |
| $$$ | Purchase from the CUE Bookstore https://concordia.ab.ca/campus-services/bookstore/ | All textbooks are available this way Includes access code for quizzes, supplementary materials, if available May be able to resell | |
| $$$ | Purchase New Online https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/ https://www.amazon.ca/ https://www.abebooks.com/Canada/ https://www.betterworldbooks.com/ | Includes access code for quizzes, supplementary materials, if available May be able to resell | Extra charges may apply (e.g. shipping, exchange rate, customs) Returns can be complicated and costly Delivery time may take several days to several weeks |
| $$ | Purchase Used Online https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/ https://www.amazon.ca/ https://www.abebooks.com/Canada/ https://www.betterworldbooks.com/ | May be able to resell | Extra charges may apply (e.g. shipping, exchange rate, customs) Delivery time may take several days to several weeks May contain highlighting and writing from previous owner No access code for quizzes, supplementary materials No returns or complicated and costly returns (depends on vendor) |
| $$ | Rent https://www.vitalsource.com/en-ca/ https://www.slugbooks.com/canada https://www.directtextbook.com/ https://www.textbookrental.ca/ | Access to electronic textbooks is instantaneous | Many rentals are available online only Physical textbook rentals – delivery time may take several days to several weeks No access code for quizzes, supplementary materials Extra charges may apply (e.g. shipping, exchange rate, customs) Access expires after rental period is over |
| Borrow from the Library Check if the CUE Library has a copy of your textbook at https://concordia.ab.ca/library/ | Borrow it for 2 to 6 weeks ONLY An older edition of your textbook The library will NOT have all of your textbooks No access code for quizzes, supplementary materials Expensive library fines will be applied to your student account if it’s returned late |