The Barometer Online

Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Peter Strong Debbie Christel, a graduate student in apparel design, searches for textbooks at the Oregon State Bookstore on Tuesday.

College students now have access to a search engine called Big Words that will help them locate textbooks that are in their price range.

Big Words is a price comparison engine that allows students to search for their required textbooks with title, author, or ISBN numbers.

This site was created to lower the hassle and amount of time spent searching for cheaper textbooks on the Internet.

Big Words is not a typical textbook resale site in that it does not sell books through their actual web site. They search through all the sites that offer a specific textbook and compare prices to inform customers on where they can save money.

"One thing to be alert about," warns OSU bookstore General Manager, Steve Eckridge, "is to make sure that you will be getting the current edition and that you will receive the books in a timely manner."

With Big Words, you will be buying directly from a retailer, such as Amazon Marketplace, which guarantees shipping in seven to 10 business days.

"The website will also take coupons and any promotions into account when searching for books," said Tanya Kemp, PR manager for Big Words.

When using Big Words, an ISBN number is the best way to search for a textbook. Once a student has entered in the information needed, a new page will load with a list of retailers that sell the textbook that a student is looking for. It will then provide a link for the student to purchase the textbook from the retailer directly.

However, Eckridge doesn't believe that this is always the best option for a student.

"Since the OSU bookstore is a student governed store and is non-profit, [it] gives back to the students when textbooks are bought. Some places won't allow you to return books or offer discounts," said Eckridge.

The OSU bookstore gives back to students by allowing them to return any textbooks that were not used because of a dropped course, and by offering a buying discount for the students.

"If students can find a better price, then, yes, take the deal, but make sure it's from a trusted source," Eckridge said.

Although the main focus of the site is to lower textbook costs for students, it also has a section where people can search for other books, DVDs, cameras, furniture and other electronics.

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