Textbooks & Class Materials

PCC classes offer different ways for students to access class materials, such as textbooks, digital resources, etc. For example, an online class may use a hard copy of a textbook and a virtual class may use an e-textbook or digital resource.  

Some classes utilize Open Educational Resources, also known as OER. These are course materials that are open licensed and do not charge the student. These materials can be modified and re-shared.

Review the information below that includes answers to common student questions.

You May Have Automatic Access to Class Materials After Registering

To determine if you need to buy your class materials or if you have immediate access to them, review the class material information in detail.  

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How to Locate Class Materials in MyPima

How to Search for Class Materials at the PCC Bookstore Website

Watch this short tutorial to learn how to search for class materials in MyPima.

Watch this short tutorial to learn how to search for class materials using the PCC Bookstore website. 

Common Questions about Costs

What do I do? I don't have the funds to purchase my materials yet and/or my financial aid hasn't come through.

If you have completed the FAFSA, you may qualify for the Early Book Purchase Program. The program allows early access to a portion of a student's financial aid funds in order to purchase required books and supplies for their upcoming semester. Eligible students must opt in to the program through their MyPima account and must have funds in excess of tuition and fees due for the upcoming semester. Funds can be available 10 days before the start date of the class(es). These funds are only eligible for use at PCC bookstores.

If you are not using financial aid or you do not qualify for the Early Book Purchase Program, you can consider buying used books or renting books that have a cheaper price than buying new. Please understand that access codes will not work if they are used or rented. Access codes are unique to each user and need to be new. Some classes that use access codes offer a free trial that can then be transferred over when a student enters the code.

The PCC Library may have a copy of your course’s textbook. Physical or hard copies of textbooks in the Library’s collection must be used on campus but you can read, scan or photograph the parts you need at the library until you can get your own copy. To see if your class materials are in the Library’s Reserve collection visit https://library2.pima.edu/search/r.

Does my class use FREE class materials?

Your class may use an OER textbook. This is free to you and found in your D2L course. The authors of this textbook have given PCC permission to use and adapt this text. Usually, it is divided into chapters, and each chapter will be a separate PDF. The information on the bookstore website for the course will be similar to "Free Open Educational Resources are requires for this course. Please see your instructor".

How soon should I buy my class materials?

It is recommended to purchase your class materials as soon as possible. Students should also not open the packaging until they have been able to confirm with the instructor that it is the correct materials for the course. Sometimes changes can occur right before the semester begins and students can return the class materials for a full refund if it's kept in the original packaging.

If students are utilizing financial aid, they may be eligible for the Early Book Purchase Program. This program is designed to allow students access to funds up to 10 days before the first day of class (before the disbursement date) to purchase class materials. If eligible, students will have a new financial aid requirement in MyPima called Early Book Purchase Program with instructions on how to opt-into the program. Students need to complete this requirement for each academic year. For more information, visit page 17 on the Student Financial Aid Handbook.

What is the early book purchase program?

If students are utilizing financial aid, they may be eligible for the Early Book Purchase Program. This program is designed to allow students access to funds up to 10 days before the first day of class (before the disbursement date) to purchase course materials. If eligible, students will have a new financial aid requirement in MyPima called Early Book Purchase Program with instructions on how to opt-into the program. Students need to complete this requirement for each academic year. For students purchasing textbooks online there will be an additional payment option called "Financial Aid" for students to select starting 10 days prior to the start of the term, if the student has opted into the early book purchase program (EBPP).  The student will be required to correctly input their student A# to use the book advance at the Barnes and Noble online bookstore if they have excess financial aid, scholarship, or veterans benefit funding.  If a student picks up textbooks in person using the EBPP book advance at one of the campus bookstores, they will be required to show a photo ID for pick-up. For more information, visit page 17 on the Student Financial Aid Handbook.

General Common Questions

Will my class have a textbook and/or other class materials?

Each course may use different types of course materials. We want to make sure the course materials required for the class are relevant and appropriate and are cost effective. Different types of course materials include:

To see which course materials, if any are required, visit the "Academics" section in MyPima located under the "Students" Tab. Scroll down to the the "Book List" box and there will be a link for each course a student is registered in for that semester. Click on the link and it will open the specific course materials that are required and/or recommended. It will also give information if the course does not require any course materials or if they have not been determined yet. Sometimes prices can vary from what is listed.

What is an ISBN number?

International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) are distinctive 10 or 13-digit codes used to identify a particular book. These codes and numbers are used to identify the exact item you wish to buy or sell. You can search for your course books by typing the ISBN number into the search bar of the Bookstore website.

Where do I go to find out the titles or ISBN numbers of the materials I need for my class(es)?

The best place to start is in MyPima. Visit the Academics Tab and scroll down to the Book List section. Click on the link for each of your classes and it will take you to the PCC bookstore website for a list of course materials that are required or recommended.

Where can I find my class materials in D2L?

Most classes will have information in the Content section within the D2L course. In the Content section, you can usually find a Get Started or Syllabus Module that will contain information about class materials. To verify if a course uses a textbook or other class materials, review the course syllabus or check the Book List section in MyPima. 

Where do I go to get materials that aren't included within D2L?

You can purchase materials through the PCC Bookstores. 

You may also be able to find a less expensive used or rental copy of a textbook by searching online booksellers. If you are searching online sellers for your textbook, use the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) instead of the title to ensure you’re getting the correct edition. Textbooks have very similar names and updated versions are released every few years and so searching by title can be confusing and you could wind up with the wrong item. 

Buying used or rental copies will not work for course materials that require an access code - these are generally books with interactive elements like built in quizzes and the codes can not be re-used or shared. 

Sometimes you can borrow a textbook or a similar edition to the required textbook from the Library.

What are the different types of digital books (e-textbooks)?

There are several varieties of digital books. Some need to be purchased and some can be billed at the time of registration with no additional purchase required.

Common Questions about Access Codes

What is an access code?

Some physical (hard copy) books include a one-time-use code to access digital materials and sometimes codes are available for purchase without the physical book. The bookstore will present students with all options so they can figure out which one is best for them. The access code is usually required. The code is usually specific to the student and may be utilized to capture work in the class. An example can be how a student would complete their homework in a math course. Usually there is an option to purchase access for only a semester or a lifetime access with a slightly higher cost.

Where can I find my access code?

The access code is provided in the receipt after purchase and may be called the "order number" or it may come in an email. The wonderful thing about an access code is that students usually receive the code quickly, by email or on the receipt and do not have to wait for the hard copy textbook to arrive, if purchased. Directions to enter access codes into the system vary by publisher. Instructors include directions in the course, usually in the Start Here or Syllabus Module. 

Can I buy a used access code?

No, students should not buy a used access code as the code is unique to each user. 

How do I use the access code?

Students can find directions on how to enter their access code inside their class in D2L. Most instructors will list it in the "Start Here" or "Syllabus" Module.

If there is a problem with the access code, reach out to the publishers support or help services. Links to the support services are visible in this section.

Who should I contact if I can't get my access code to work?

There should be a "contact us" phone number or email available on the receipt. Call or email the publisher to speak with one of their customer service reps. PCC employees are not able to assist with access code related issues. Also, information may be available on the publisher's webpage listed in the next section.

Different Types of Publishers with Access Codes

Carnegie Learning (example is MathiaU)                     

Help Center

Cengage (example is MindTap)

Support Services

Pearson (examples include MyLab, MyMathLab and BryteWave)

Support Services

Knewton (examples include AltaPass and Alta Single Term) 

support@Kewton.com 

MacMillan (example is LaunchPad)  

Support Services

McGraw Hill (example is Connect)

Support Services

Redshelf

Support Services

For information regarding textbook rentals, digital content, etc., visit the Customer Care page on the bookstore website, which includes:


Bookstore Contact Information

Desert Vista Campus         Northwest Campus

520.206.5053 520.206.2065


Downtown Campus West/PimaOnline Campus

520.628.1115 520.206.6927


East Campus

520.206.7658 Email: sm8471@bncollege.com