The textbook order deadlines are:

• Summer and fall semesters: March 1
• Spring semester: October 1

If you are unable to meet this deadline, please submit your textbook order to the bookstore as soon as possible. Meeting the textbook order deadline creates the opportunity to secure textbooks when they are at their lowest price. It also gives the bookstore the advantage of purchasing used books at its highest availability rate and allows the bookstore to use more economical methods to ship the books to Hawaiʻi.

Yes, if a course has a possibility of being offered, the bookstore would still like to have the book order submitted. In the event that the course is cancelled, the bookstore will remove the textbook(s) from the shelf and return to the vendor at no cost to the department.

Yes, if the textbook order has not been worked on by the bookstore, the department can remove the title from the course in the textbook order online platform. If the textbook order has been approved by the bookstore yet, contact them at (808) 689-2550 or uhwobkst@hawaii.edu as soon as possible, so they can cancel the title before the publisher ships.

No, the publisher will not allow the bookstore to request desk copies. The department will need to submit the request directly to the publisher.

Yes, submit the information using the "Add Manually" tab on the textbook order platform. Providing this information will benefit students as they will be able to look at one site (bookstore website) and see all their course materials.

Yes, we request that you include a note/comment stating that you will be directing students elsewhere. The reasons why we want a textbook order submitted:

1. Many students are on a book scholarship and can only use those funds at the bookstore. Submitting a textbook order ensures that the bookstore brings in copies to accommodate these students.
2. If students cannot, or prefer not to, order from a third-party, we will have the book in stock for them to purchase.

The bookstore works with wholesalers, publishers and distributors to offer various cost effective options for our students, including used books, e-books, IDAP and loose-leaf options. The bookstore also offers a price comparison tool on their website that allows students to view third-party options. This is a centralized, one-stop-shop, site for students to purchase their books.

The cost, storage, and financial risk associated with physical textbooks have continued to increase, while student demand has steadily declined. This change allows the university to remain financially responsible while ensuring students still receive required materials.

Physical and digital course material orders submitted to the bookstore by the April 1, 2026 deadline for the Fall 2026 term will be fulfilled as requested.

Late orders will still be fulfilled; however, materials will only be available to students by the Bookstore in digital format at the lowest available cost, which may be through the Interactive Digital Access Program (IDAP). The Bookstore will also provide an electronic link to physical textbooks for students to purchase directly from a third-party vendor.

The Bookstore will accommodate orders for required physical course material if digital material is not an available option.

No. Faculty retain full academic freedom in selecting course materials. This change impacts delivery method and ordering timelines, not content selection.

These materials should also be submitted by the April 1, 2026 deadline. Early submission allows the bookstore to assess format availability and exception needs.

IDAP provides students with immediate, first-day access to required materials at a reduced cost, eliminating delays and supply chain issues.

Please contact the bookstore's textbook department for any assistance at (808) 689-2550 or uhwobkst@hawaii.edu.