Course Materials and Texts

FAQs: Bookstore / Ordering materials and texts

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• Where do I buy my course materials and texts?

  Course materials and texts are ordered through the Virtual Bookstore hosted by MBS Direct. Used books are made available whenever possible and ordering is fast, easy, and secure. The virtual site opened for fall ordering on Wednesday, July 31. Online orders will be shipped to campus with no shipping fees when placed between July 31 and midnight on August 19 (CST). All orders placed by August 19 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win four $25 Campus Bookstore credits.

• Where will the books be shipped?

  Books shipped to campus will be available for pickup at the Bookstore. Orders through August 19 are bulk shipped to campus for pickup in the Bookstore beginning Friday, August 30. Orders after August 19 are individually shipped to campus for pickup in the Bookstore as they arrive.

• How do I minimize shipping costs?

  Free shipping to campus is available for orders placed by midnight on Monday, August 19 (CST). All orders placed by August 19 will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win four $25 Campus Bookstore credits. These orders will be available for pickup in the campus Bookstore beginning Friday, August 30. Regular shipping charges apply to orders placed August 20–September 2. During the Add/Drop period, beginning September 3, expedited shipping will be offered at the ground rate for all orders. For orders on course materials for classes that are added, the ground shipping costs will be refunded to your Bennington Card account by the College. If you must return items, bring them to the Bookstore by Friday, September 20. The Bookstore will pack your items and cover the cost of return shipping to MBS.

• What methods of payment are accepted?

  MBS Direct accepts all major credit cards.

• Can I use my Bennington Card to purchase textbooks?

  Yes, the Business Office will issue vouchers for students who would like to purchase their textbooks using funds from the Bennington Card, Bookstore gift certificates, student refund checks, or personal check. Simply call the Business Office at 802-440-4458 (on campus x4458) to start the process.

• What if I add or drop a course?

  As soon as you have added your courses, place an order for required course materials. Orders placed during the Add period will be shipped to campus via expedited delivery at the cost of ground delivery. For added courses, the shipping cost will be refunded to your Bennington Card account. If you must return materials to MBS, bring them to the Bookstore by Friday, September 20. The Bookstore will pack your items and cover the cost of return shipping to MBS.

• How will returns work?

  Returns need to occur within two weeks of the first day of the class, or within 21 days from the shipping date—whichever is later. On the MBS Direct webpage, go to Returns under My Account to process your return to your original form of payment and print your return invoice. College Bookstore staff will assist with the packing of your returns. Complete return instructions appear on the packing slip that comes with each order. For further questions, please call MBS Customer Service at 800-325-3252.

  Please note: Returns that are processed after the cutoff date are treated as buybacks and MBS will not provide a full refund.

• How does the on-campus buyback work?

  Book buyback will occur in the College Bookstore at the end of each term. You also have the option of processing buybacks on the MBS Direct website at any time.

• Where can I buy course packets?

  Course packets will be available in the Bookstore.

• Can I buy books from Bennington College authors on campus?

  Yes, books authored by Bennington College faculty, alumni, and students will continue to be available on campus in the Bookstore.

• Where can I buy art supplies and notebooks?

  Course materials and supplies will continue to be available on campus in the Bookstore.