In the long list of common student complaints, textbook prices rank within the top five, if not the winner. In a survey co-sponsored by the California Student Public Interest Research Group, college students spend an average of nearly $900 every year on textbooks.

Unfortunately, this number can be much higher in reality. Many people debate the reasons for these prices, but defining the causes doesn't change the sticker price. Here's a few facts guaranteed to help ease your bank account into the new semester.

Online shopping emerges as the best possible method. While it's no secret that ordering online is cheaper, some sites are better than others. One search engine in particular, www.bigwords.com, compares every combination of books through multiple online booksellers, calculating coupons, discounts, shipping, and promotions to achieve the best possible total overall. Simply enter the ISBNs or titles, add the items to your Bookbag, and watch its zany orange magic work. According to their site, the average customer saves $71, and over one third of their total customers save over $100. The site also provides options for pricing, shipping, guaranteed buyback, electronic editions and rentals.

Yes, rentals. Textbooks are now available for semester-long rental via www.chegg.com. Find the book you want, choose the shipping date and receive the book in time for class. After 125 days, send the book back with the provided shipping label. With no monthly fees or hidden penalties, students usually end up saving about 60% on textbooks. Chegg also plants a tree for each book bought, adding an eco-friendly element.

If you prefer visiting a bookstore, try Braves Bookstore just off campus. They offer the same books at moderately lower prices with the ability to examine the book before purchasing, although most online sellers have a 15-day return period. Braves Bookstore also hosts a textbook buyback that correlates with the university's schedule.

For comparison, each method priced a list of standard UWG freshman textbooks for 2007: "Writer's Resource" by Maimon, "The World Made Straight" by Ron Rash, "Precalculus" by Blitzer, "We the People" by Ginsberg, "American History Volume I" by Alan Brinkley, and "Physics" by Cutnell. The university bookstore totaled $510 new and $385 used. Braves Bookstore added up to $443 new and $339 used BigWords found the same books for $306 new and $270 used. With the rental option available from Chegg, the price went down to $216. Even buying only new books, an extra $200 makes a difference in anyone's pocket.

Policies and laws about textbook pricing are under consideration, but next semester waits for no one. Perhaps these approaches can assist future purchases, and hopefully save everyone money to spend on better things. Just remember: the best deal is often only a computer away.

For more information, Braves Bookstore can be found at 120 Oil Park Drive, (770) 832-8066.

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