Bookstore Glossary
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
A
Access Code
This is a password that you use to log onto course content online (such as assignments, labs, practice exam questions, and so on). To purchase access codes online visit Campus EBookstore. Frequently asked question about Access Codes.
Adoption
Textbook adoption simply means your Professor has ordered or "adopted" a textbook for a course. Keep in mind that it is not the Bookstore that determines what textbooks are used for each course but the Professor teaching that semester.
Aplia
An online learning tool which includes access to a digital copy of the textbook; a subscription can often be purchased packaged with a hardcopy of the new textbook, or as a standalone product. www.aplia.com
B
Book Club Rewards
Customers who regularly purchase general (trade) books in the Main Store are eligible to join Titles Bookstore's Book Club Rewards Program. After signing up for the program, when you have purchased 12 general books, the average price will be calculated and recorded on your card as a Credit Value which can be used towards your next general book purchase. Textbooks and other course materials are not eligible for the Book Club program. Membership is free.
Buyback
Textbook Buyback is one of the ways Titles is trying to encourage recycling while reducing the expense to students. By selling their textbooks back to Titles Bookstore, students are able to save money for next year's textbooks and contribute to the used textbooks available for purchase.
C
CIS Voucher
The vouchers are used in the Engineering labs and are sold by our cashiers in increments of $5.00. Please contact the Department of Engineering for more information.
CCW / Custom Courseware
Custom Courseware is an electronic storage and printing service that assists Professors in putting together “coursepacks.” A coursepack is a compilation of scanned material from a variety of sources. Custom Courseware is non-returnable. Frequently asked questions regarding Custom Courseware.
Charge Accounts for Students
All students enrolled at McMaster are eligible for a $1500 line of credit using their student ID as a credit card. To open an account, students with a current Registrar’s validation sticker on their card can fill out and sign a credit application at any cash desklocation of Titles.
Copicard
Sold in increments of $10.00, Copicards allow students to use campus photocopiers and printers. These cards can be purchased from a bookstore cashier or from machines located in the libraries. Please note: As of September 2010 the use of photocopy cards will be discontinued.
Course Code
Course codes can be interpreted as follows: the first number indicates the Level of the course; the letter(s) in the middle identifies the specific courses within the Level; and the final digit(s) defines the number of units of credit associated with the course.
Course Materials Listing
Titles provides both an online course listing as well as hard copy text lists which can be found in text areas of all store locations. They list all courses by subject, Professors’ names, course codes and titles we have been asked to carry. Also shown is which term the texts are used for and whether the books are required or optional.
Cross-Listed Course
A Cross-Listed Course is a course which is listed under two or more subjects.
E
E-book
An e-book is an electronic version of a book. Some e-books are only available online, while others are available for download to your computer (i.e. can be put on an e-reader, iPod, or computer). Titles has a number of general reading e-book titles that can be downloaded for free.
H
Health Sciences Bookstore (Mediashop or HSB)
Located in the Health Sciences Centre Room 1G1, the Health Sciences Bookstore (aka Mediashop due to the partnership between the bookstore and McMaster’s on campus media production services) specializes in Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences titles and carries an extensive selection of current reference books, stethoscopes and diagnostic instruments in all health related fields. Hours of operation are different than the Main Store so please refer to store hours.
Hole in the Wall
Located in the hallway outside the Main Store, the “Hole in the Wall” is where textbook buyback and locker rentals occur. The buyback window is open all year, but does have extended hours during exams and class startup.
I
i>clicker / Clicker
These classroom tools look and work like television remote controls, and are used to respond to questions posed by professors in high enrolment classes. Frequently asked i>clicker questions.
ISBN
An ISBN is a 10 or 13-digit number that identifies a particular title and edition of a book. You can find the ISBN on the back cover and is the best way to identify your textbook. Searching for textbooks by ISBN ensures that you buy the correct edition and copy.
M
MacMicro
MacMicro is the name of the computer department located in the Main Store. It is an authorized on-campus reseller for a wide variety of computers and computer accessories. We have a trained, knowledgeable, and friendly staff that is available to assist students and faculty with their various computer-related needs. MacMicro also has in-store service technicians for work on various Apple/PC repairs and upgrades.
Main Store / Main Bookstore
Refers to the central location of the Titles Bookstore operations, located in Glimour Hall B101. The Main Store includes general books and magazines, stationery and supplies, clothing and giftware, PC and Apple computers and accessories, a post office and is also where the main administrative offices of the bookstore are located.
MUGSI
MUGSI (McMaster University Gateway to Student Information) provides individual student information and access to SOLAR. MUGSI help
O
Optional Text
If a textbook is marked Optional, the Professor believes that the material in the book is supplementary to the lesson plan and will enhance your overall understanding of the course material. Titles recommends that you attend your class prior to purchasing optional textbooks. Please check with your instructor and/or teaching assistants to inquire if you should buy any or all of the optional texts listed for your course. Frequently asked questions about textbooks.
P
Print to Order (Raincheck)
When a particular Custom Courseware title sells out, students can still purchase a copy by requesting a "Print to Order" copy at the Main Store, The Tank or Mediashop/Health Sciences Bookstore. All custom published material is printed at McMaster, so rainchecks can be ready for pick-up within 24 to 48 hours. Due to increased seasonal volume, the waiting period in September and January may temporarily increase to 72 hours. Frequently asked questions about Custom Courseware.
R
Raincheck (Print to Order)
When a particular Custom Courseware title sells out, students can still purchase a copy by requesting a raincheck or a "Print to Order" copy at the Main Store, The Tank or Mediashop/Health Sciences Bookstore. All custom published material is printed at McMaster, so Print to Order courseware can be ready for pick-up within 24 to 48 hours. Due to increased seasonal volume, the waiting period in September and January may temporarily increase to 72 hours. Frequently asked questions about Custom Courseware.
Reserve
Textbooks can only be reserved after the title has sold out. When you reserve a book at our Customer Service desk we hold on to it for a period of 72 hours after the shipment has been received and we have contacted you.
General Books can be reserved at any time. Visit our General Book information desk for more details.
Required Text
If a textbook or Custom Courseware is marked as “Required” for a course, it is due to the instructor’s desire that all students should read the material. It will either be discussed in class, or used as the basis for assignments, tests and exams. Frequently asked questions about textbooks.
Roaming Discounts
Each week a different section or subject area in the General Book department is discounted by 20%. This is an in-store special only but you can always see which section is featured by checking our website, subscribing to our Twitter feed, or adding Titles Bookstore as a friend on Facebook.
S
Section
Due to enrollment, classroom size, and scheduling, some larger classes are divided into multiple sections and these sections are identified by specific section numbers. It helps to have your timetable with you when purchasing your textbooks, as some courses are sectionalized. History 2J06 - C01 and 2J06 - C02 may have different texts and only your timetable or class book list will tell you which section you are in.
School Of Business Voucher
These vouchers are used in the School of Business computer lab (DSB A116) and are sold by our cashiers in increments of $5.00.
SOLAR
SOLAR is McMaster's Student On-Line Academic Registration system. Students MUST use SOLAR to select courses and submit their Payment Agreement. SOLAR hours of Operation and Availability.
Special Orders
Our special order program is in place to assist you in locating and ordering those titles we do not regularly stock. We will order most books at no extra cost and have them shipped directly to our store for you to pick-up.
Subtitles (DTC)
Located inside McMaster’s Downtown Centre on 50 Main Street in Downtown Hamilton, Subtitles carries all the course materials for Continuing Education classes held at the Downtown Campus. This is a temporary bookstore with hours of operation at the start of each term in September, January and May.
T
The Tank Textbook Store
The Tank is located in Togo Salmon Hall B203 and carries course materials for all years (with the exception of Health Sciences). Note: For the first few weeks of the term, first year textbooks are located in the Main Store. To find the Tank follow the fish painted on walls of Gilmour Hall, Chester New Hall and Togo Salmon Hall.
W
WileyPLUS
An online learning tool from publisher John Wiley & Sons which includes access to a digital copy of the textbook; a subscription can often be purchased packaged with a hardcopy of the new textbook, or as a standalone product. www.wileyplus.com
A Litter Bird Told Me
