How to Order Course Materials

Watch these videos: How to Order Your Course Materials Online

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Have your student ID# and course schedule handy. Find these at dctc.edu/eservices
  2. Go to www.dctcbookstore.com
  3. Create your account if you haven’t done this already under Students/Shoppers, then log in.
  4. Find your course materials under Textbooks tab > Order Textbooks. Select department code, course number, and section number for each of your classes.
  5. Choose if you want new, used, or rentals (if available). Add items to your cart.
  6. Click Checkout, then review your cart.
  7. Click Payment Options and review your shipping address. No PO boxes.
  8. Place your order. You will receive emails with order updates. You can track your orders on the website.

Orders are typically shipped in 1-2 business days. Allow 2-3 business days to receive your order if you are in Minnesota.


If you have questions or need help placing your online order, please reach out to us via email at [email protected].

Additional Information

The information below can help you understand how the DCTC Campus Store and MN Textbook Center fulfills orders and categorizes textbooks chosen for courses by instructors. If you have any questions, please contact us by email at [email protected].

Textbook Conditions

  • Every effort is made to fill orders as requested, but we reserve the right to make substitutions if your books are not available in the requested condition. This means if you select "used" and a used book is not available, a new book will automatically be substituted, and vice versa. The dollar amount of your order WILL change if substitutions are made.
  • Prices and availability of textbooks are subject to change at any time and could affect the total billed to your account.
  • Textbooks listed with $0.00 for the price are not free. This simply means we do not have pricing information for the textbook at the time of your order.

Definition of Terms Used on Our Website

Every textbook and digital access textbook available is categorized by the faculty member teaching the class. Each textbook is listed with a tag indicating if a textbook is required, recommended, optional, etc. Please review the different tags below. Knowing what each of the tags means will make your buying experience easier.

Required -- The textbook is required for your class.

Either/Or -- The textbook required for the course is available in two formats -- usually a print textbook and access code bundled together or an access code only. You have the option to choose the format that best suits your needs. You only need to order one, not both. If you are unsure about which option to choose, contact your instructor for assistance.

Recommended -- The textbook is not required but is recommended for the course. You may wish to attend class first or consult the instructor directly to determine if the textbook would be beneficial to you. Cannot be supplied on PSEO orders.

Optional -- The textbook is not required but is an additional resource. You may wish to attend class first or consult your instructor directly to determine if the textbook would be beneficial to you. Cannot be supplied on PSEO orders.

Attend Class Before Purchase -- You must attend class first before placing your order. The instructor for this class will give you further instructions regarding which textbook to purchase. Do not purchase book before attending class.

Reusing from Prev Cl -- The textbook was used in a previous class. Purchase will not be necessary if you took the previous class and still have your textbook.

Order Update Actions

During the checkout process, you will be asked how you would like the orders for each of your courses filled if the instructor changes the textbook(s) and course material(s) for a class while your online order is in progress with us.

Do Not Add to Order -- No changes will be made to your order, even if the instructor changes the textbook(s)/course material(s).

Add All Materials -- All materials, including required, recommended, and optional materials, will be added to your order if your instructor makes any changes to the textbooks/course materials assigned to a course.

Add Only Required -- We will only add to or change your order if the instructor makes changes for the required materials.