It is no surprise that student loan debt is increasing at the same time that textbook costs are on the rise. NIU Libraries wants to help you get the classroom materials you need at a price you can afford. CNBC suggests a few strategies that might help:

• Renting instead of buying—If it is a book you do not think you will need later, such as a text for a GenEd course, rent it.
• Playing the market—Don't buy in August or December/January, when the demand is great. Once you sign up for classes, contact your instructor to find out what materials are required. Get the jump on your peers.
• Being free and easy—Check campus libraries and public libraries before buying or renting your texts.
• Shopping Around—Use price comparison sites and online search tools to locate and purchase (or rent) your books at the lowest price.

(Adapted from Gernon, D. "Students are Spending Less on Books by Smart Buying." CNBC.com, last modified August 11, 2017, https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/08/one-smart-money-lesson-college-freshmen-can-learn-from-seniors.html).