WELCOME TO VOLBOOKS

What is the difference between required, optional (recommended), and choice course materials?

My book is out of stock. How can I get it?

Our system allows you to backorder New books. If you choose to have your order shipped, it will be sent to you when it arrives. If you chose in-store pickup, you will be notified when your order has arrived and is ready for pick-up.

My course indicates “No Text is Required”. What does this mean?

Your instructor has indicated that no materials need to be purchased for the class.

My course indicates “No information found”. What should I do?

This indicates that the instructor or department has not yet submitted course material information. Please check back in a few days or check with your instructor.

Where do I find my course packet?

Course packets are submitted to Volbooks in the same way as other printed materials and will be listed on our site under the course/section. These items can be purchased from our website and picked up in the store, delivered to a campus locker for pickup or shipped to your address.

Can I use a clicker for more than one class?

Yes. You can purchase a clicker from the store or utilize the Turning Technologies app on your phone.

When is the last day I can return my books for a full refund?

Please see the refund deadlines listed above.

When will I receive access to my ebooks?

Ebooks purchased in the store or online are physical items (usually a card or envelope) with a code and instructions inside. They are listed on the website the same as a physical, print book. The physical package contains important information. Do not discard anything until you find the code and instructions. Ebook Access codes are non-returnable once opened.

How do I access my digital book? (Digital Purchase)

Digital books (180 day digital access) purchased on our website are confirmed with an email that includes the code and instructions. If you do not see the email in your inbox- please check junk/spam folders.

I didn’t get a code for my digital book purchase. What do I do?

If you don’t receive an email with code and instructions within one business day, contact Volbooks.

All course material are available for purchase ONLINE ONLY.

When will my order be ready to pick up?

Customers will receive an email when their order is ready to be picked up. Please allow 24-72 hours for the order to be processed.

How do I cancel my order?

To cancel your order please have your Sales Order number, then either call us at 865-974-1050, or email us at volbooks@utk.edu requesting that the order be cancelled. If your order has already been processed then it will be issued a refund instead of a cancellation.

Why was my textbook cancelled from my order?

If a textbook was cancelled off of the order it is because VolBooks was out of stock for that title and we were not able to order another copy.

What is Inclusive Access (IA)?

Inclusive Access items are digital course materials available to students on the first day of class. The cost of the material is charged to the student account (via "MyUTK" account) for all students who are registered for a participating Inclusive Access course. The cost is reduced through negotiation with the publisher due to the participation of the class, section or course in Inclusive Access.

Due to changes caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, rental textbooks will no longer be offered

With the changes caused by the current pandemic, students have the option to participate in book buyback through the online buyback link below.

• After clicking the link below, type the ISBNs of the books you wish to sell in the field on the left side of the page and click Search. If the books have a buy price, you will be able to sell the books to our wholesaler, MBS Textbook Exchange.
• Input your information after the books have been chosen to recieve a pre-paid shipping label.
• Once the books are recieved by MBS, a check will be sent in the mail from MBS.

Please allow a few weeks for payment delievery. Questions may be emailed to volbooks@utk.edu.

When should I sell my books back?

Books can be sold at any time throughout the year, but our wholesalers typically pay better prices during the exam period at the end of each semester.

Can I sell back books that I didn’t buy at VolBooks?

Yes! Although, there is no guarantee it will have a buyback price.

What do I need to sell my books?

You only need the ISBNs of the books you wish to sell. Please visit our Textbook Buyback page to learn more.

What kind of condition should my books be in for buybacks?

Books should be in a reasonably good condition when selling them. Highlighting and writing are allowed if it is minimal. If there is any water damage on the pages or cover of the book then it will be rejected when it reaches the warehouse.